“AI in networks isn’t CPU vs. GPU”: Intel unveils 18A-based Clearwater Forest Xeon 6+ for edge AI and early 6G infrastructure

• Intel extends Xeon 6 roadmap with 18A-based processors targeting AI in telecom networks
• 288-core Clearwater Forest reduces rack power and improves performance per watt
• Testing shows 38% lower runtime rack power versus comparable Sierra Forest systems

At MWC 2026, Intel introduced its upcoming Clearwater Forest Xeon 6+ processors, built on the 18A process and aimed at edge AI and early 6G infrastructure.

The update adds a higher density option to the Xeon 6 lineup for network and data center deployments.

Clearwater Forest, which was first previewed in October 2025, follows the current Xeon 6 generation and is expected to arrive by 2027.

AI in networks isn’t “CPU vs. GPU”

Intel is expanding Xeon 6 across radio access networks, or RAN, which connect devices like smartphones to the broader mobile network, as well as mobile core systems and edge sites.

The strategy keeps network functions, security workloads, enterprise services, and AI inference on standard server hardware.

Kevork Kechichian, executive vice president and general manager of Intel’s Data Center Group, said: “AI in networks isn’t “CPU vs. GPU” — it’s right compute for the workload”.

The idea is that not every AI task inside a telecom network requires a separate accelerator. In many cases, inference can run directly on Xeon processors depending on performance and power constraints.

In the RAN, Xeon 6 SoC integrates Advanced Matrix Extensions and vRAN Boost, allowing inference workloads to run on the same server that handles virtualized network software. That can limit the need for extra hardware in certain deployments.

Rakuten Mobile is working with Intel to train and deploy AI models for low latency RAN workloads using Xeon 6 SoC. Vodafone has committed to adopting Xeon 6 SoCs for Open RAN and vRAN modernization projects across Europe.

Clearwater Forest, branded simply Xeon 6+, increases core density and shifts to Intel’s 18A process.

In testing by Ericsson, a single 288-core Xeon 6990E+ Clearwater Forest processor reduced runtime rack power by 38 percent, delivered more than 60 percent better performance per watt, and improved overall performance by 30 percent compared with a dual socket 288-core Xeon 6780E Sierra Forest system.

Higher core counts and lower power consumption sit at the center of Intel’s pitch as AI workloads expand inside telecom infrastructure and networks move closer to early 6G development.

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