Samsung Just Made 6G Networks Possible—Here’s How One Server Changes Everything
Samsung Electronics scores another industry milestone. The tech giant successfully completed the first commercial call using its virtualized RAN solution with Intel’s Xeon 6700P-B processor on a live Tier 1 U.S. network. This breakthrough puts operators one step closer to AI-native, 6G-ready networks.
This achievement builds on Samsung’s previous win in 2024 when they pulled off the industry’s first end-to-end call in a lab setting. Now they’ve proven the technology works in real-world conditions. Network operators can finally streamline their infrastructure while preparing for the next generation of wireless connectivity.
Why This vRAN Breakthrough Matters
Samsung’s virtualized RAN solution leverages Intel’s latest Xeon 6 SoC with up to 72 cores. The magic happens on a single commercial off-the-shelf server from Hewlett Packard Enterprise running a Wind River cloud platform.
Traditional network setups require multiple servers to handle different functions. Samsung’s approach consolidates mobile core, radio access, transport, and security onto one powerful machine. This single-server deployment simplifies complex site configurations dramatically.
“This breakthrough represents a major leap forward in network virtualization and efficiency,” says June Moon, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D at Samsung’s Networks Business. The milestone validates that Samsung’s vRAN platform delivers the performance and reliability leading carriers demand.
Single-Server Magic: How Samsung Cuts Costs and Power Consumption
Network operators face mounting pressure to build more sustainable infrastructure. Samsung’s solution addresses this challenge head-on. Running multiple network elements on fewer servers slashes both capital and operational expenses.
The energy efficiency gains are substantial. Operators reduce power consumption while maintaining top-tier network performance. This AI-powered vRAN approach also accelerates the adoption of AI services and features.
Intel’s Xeon 6 SoC features Advanced Matrix Extensions, vRAN Boost, and enhanced memory bandwidth. These improvements deliver significant performance gains compared to previous processor generations. The technology handles AI processing more efficiently while consuming less energy.
Network Flexibility Meets Automation
Samsung’s cloud-native vRAN gives operators unprecedented flexibility. They can quickly adapt to changing network demands without massive infrastructure overhauls. The automation capabilities speed up the transition to 6G-ready networks.
“With Intel Xeon 6 SoC, featuring higher core counts and built-in acceleration for AI and vRAN, operators get the compute foundation for AI native, future ready networks,” explains Cristina Rodriguez, VP and GM of Network & Edge at Intel. The collaboration with Samsung, HPE, and Wind River enables greater workload consolidation.
From Lab to Live Network: Samsung’s Track Record
Samsung has consistently pushed network virtualization boundaries. The company deployed vRAN solutions with major operators worldwide and achieved numerous industry firsts. Their portfolio includes purpose-built RAN, Open RAN, AI-RAN, and private network solutions.
The company currently provides network solutions to operators serving hundreds of millions of users globally. This latest achievement demonstrates their commitment to practical innovation that operators can deploy immediately.
Industry analyst Daryl Schoolar from Recon Analytics emphasizes the significance: “By demonstrating multiple network functions running on next-generation processing technology, Samsung is showing what future networks look like—more cloud-native, more scalable and significantly more efficient.”
What This Means for 6G Preparation
This successful commercial call proves the technology moved beyond theoretical performance gains. Operators around the world can now leverage this innovation to modernize their networks. The single-server approach supports AI-driven use cases more effectively.
Samsung’s end-to-end 5G solutions already include chipsets, radios, and cores. The company continues advancing the industry toward 6G through ongoing research and development. Their market-leading product portfolio positions them at the forefront of next-generation wireless technology.
The timing matters too. Coming just months after Intel made the Xeon 6 SoC commercially available, this milestone showcases rapid real-world implementation. Network operators gain a proven pathway for deploying sustainable, cost-effective infrastructure.
FAQ: Samsung’s vRAN and 6G Network Technology
What is Samsung’s virtualized RAN and how does it work?
Samsung’s virtualized RAN (vRAN) runs network functions on software instead of dedicated hardware. It consolidates mobile core, radio access, transport, and security elements onto a single powerful server using Intel’s Xeon 6 processor. This approach replaces traditional setups that required multiple separate servers, making networks more flexible and cost-effective while preparing them for AI integration and 6G capabilities.
How does single-server vRAN reduce network operating costs?
Running Samsung’s vRAN on one server cuts both capital and operational expenses significantly. Operators need fewer physical servers to manage, which reduces power consumption, cooling requirements, and maintenance costs. The simplified infrastructure also means less complex site configurations and easier network management. These savings help operators invest in upgrading to AI-native networks and 6G preparation.
When will 6G networks become available to consumers?
While Samsung’s latest vRAN milestone accelerates 6G readiness, commercial 6G networks likely won’t launch until around 2030. Samsung is currently laying the groundwork by developing AI-native infrastructure that can support future 6G requirements. The company’s virtualized RAN technology provides the flexible foundation operators need to transition smoothly from 5G to 6G when the time comes.
Why did Samsung test vRAN on a live Tier 1 US network?
Testing on a live commercial network proves the technology works under real-world conditions, not just controlled lab environments. This validation shows Samsung’s vRAN meets the strict performance and reliability standards actual carriers require. The successful commercial call on a Tier 1 operator’s network demonstrates the technology is ready for immediate deployment, giving operators confidence to adopt it now.
