Leading the transition to cloud-based communication networks and inducing collaboration
Xeon Processor D-1500, Ethernet Multi-Host Controller FM10000 Expansion

In response to the question of what Intel is doing in the cloud field, an Intel official said, “We are working to create an environment where computing resources can be used more easily.”

This aligns with the background of Intel's recent announcement that it will lead the rapid transition to cloud-ready communications networks, while unveiling its new Xeon D processor family and collaborations with major companies.

Cloud-based communication networks are expected to not only effectively handle the demands currently emerging in the telecommunications industry and the cloud and data center service sectors, but also enable future devices and services. The transition to cloud-based networks is made possible by applying server, cloud, storage, and virtualization technologies, and by building greater intelligence across the entire network.

In this regard, Intel has launched three new product families that enhance network edge performance, network intelligence, and bandwidth to build more flexible and responsive networks. Intel stated that this product family, which includes the Intel Xeon D-1500 processor, provides flexibility, agility, and scalability for a successful transition to cloud-based networks, while improving cost and operational efficiency.

Use cases for the Intel Xeon D-1500 processor family are also emerging one after another. In networking use cases, the Intel Xeon D-1500 family provides 5.4 times better performance than the Intel Atom C2000 processor for Internet Protocol Security (IPsec). This processor features performance advantages combining large memory capacity, low power consumption, and embedded hardware-assisted virtualization technology.

For storage use cases, the Intel Xeon D-1500 family of processors provides a wide range of options for data center optimization by applying the enhanced performance and intelligence of Intel Xeon processors to a high-density, low-power SoC form factor. For IoT use cases, the Intel Xeon D-1500 family of processors is optimized for industrial, military, and aerospace applications that require high-density, high-performance system designs with strong thermal tolerance.

Intel is strengthening its collaboration with the ecosystem for the transition to cloud-based networks. Intel is working closely with industry leaders such as Cisco, Ericsson, SK Telecom, and Verizon to enable more flexible and responsive networks and to lay the foundation for 5G networks. This collaboration includes providing cutting-edge technologies and standards-based solutions that enhance network performance and bandwidth.

Red Hat is the first ISV to actively participate in key sectors of the Intel Network Builder Fast Track and has been collaborating with Intel for a long time to commercialize open source technologies and provide standards-based solutions to the telecommunications industry. The two companies are further expanding their collaboration and are also working on optimizations to provide carrier-grade solutions based on Red Hat software and Intel technology.

Intel also introduced details of its collaboration with SK Telecom regarding 5G. Intel and SK Telecom signed an MoU for joint 5G research and development last July. Based on the MoU, the two companies selected frequency bands likely to be commercialized for 5G and are currently developing 5G prototype terminals and verifying their performance based on those frequencies.

In addition, they plan to jointly research and develop core 5G technologies, such as 'Anchor-Booster Cell,' a data transmission technology using next-generation wireless LAN; 'Massive MIMO,' a multi-antenna technology that significantly improves the transmission and reception capacity of base stations; and '5G Cloud Virtualization Base Station,' which can freely allocate frequencies according to traffic capacity through network virtualization.

'Anchor-Booster Cell' is one of the core technologies of 5G, a technology that enables the seamless transmission of large amounts of data by utilizing 'WiGig,' a next-generation wireless LAN, as a catalyst and auxiliary network in existing 4G networks. This enables high-quality voice calls and ultra-high-speed data transmission simultaneously.

The two companies also plan to apply Mobile Edge Computing technology to anchor-booster cells to improve Quality of Experience (QoE) and develop new business models with enterprises and the industry to advance 5G technology.