ZTE Corporation and Intel have jointly launched the Light Cloud platform for access networks at the 5G Summit being held at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona. The Light Cloud solution is based on Intel’s innovative Edge products, impeccably integrated into ZTE’s flagship optical fiber access platform, Titan, thus merging Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) and Network function virtualization (NFVI).
The solution employs lightweight blade servers equipped with Intel Xeon D processors. When embedded in an OLT or BRAS device, the blade servers transform it into lightweight cloud infrastructure, thus reducing high capital costs and making a positive environmental impact. The infrastructure opens up computing and storage possibilities based on telecom access equipment, and allows the deployment and distribution of application-sensitive services.
The access layer with cloud features is supported by built-in blade servers, and facilitates the ability to offer a wide range of cloud applications and services, including MEC, access CDN, vSTB and vCPE, that considerably improve the customer experience. Moreover, the lightweight cloud infrastructure allows operators to use it themselves or rent it out.
Fang Hui, Vice president of ZTE, said, “ZTE, in collaboration with Intel, provides innovation in key technologies of Light Cloud solution, including image processing, service acceleration, AI learning, big data, encoding and decoding, as well as intelligent network cards.”
Dan Rodriguez, Vice president of Data Center Group and General manager of Network Compute Division, Intel, said: “The Intel Xeon D processor is optimized for power and space-constrained environments and it’s an excellent choice for edge location. Using Intel Xeon D, ZTE’s OLT design delivers strong computing capability and services at the edge of the network. Intel has a growing portfolio of products and technologies that brings advanced performance and intelligence from the core of the data center to the network edge. By working with partners like ZTE, together we can deliver compelling solutions to help Communication Service Providers transform their networks.”
