XR8000 – Unique Sled Design
Download PDFFri, 03 Mar 2023 19:57:26 -0000
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Summary
The Dell PowerEdge XR8000 is a compact multi-node server designed for the edge and telecom. This DfD describes the unique form factor with chassis and sleds for the deployment of the XR8000.
Overview
The Dell PowerEdge XR8000 is a rugged multi-node edge server with Intel 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors MCC SKU stack. This short-depth sled-based server, purpose-built for telco at the edge, is configurable, environmentally agile, and RAN optimized. It is optimized to operate in Class 1 (-5C to 55C) environments and –20C to 65C for select configurations, provides a short depth of 430 mm from the front I/O wall to the rear wall, and is front-accessible.
Available in a unique sled-based chassis form factor, the 2U chassis supports 1U and 2U half-width sleds. It is an open and reusable chassis as opposed to fixed monolithic chassis. The entire sled can be replaced without removing the chassis and power, which simplifies serviceability and maintenance. Customers who need additional storage or PCIe expansion can choose the 2U sled, with options for compute, accelerators, or GPUs.
Each sled includes iDRAC for management, a CPU, memory, storage, networking, PCIe expansion (2U sled), and cooling.
The reversible airflow chassis
XR8000 offers a reverse airflow design for use in front accessed chassis configurations. It provides a front-accessible, multi-node sled-based rackable chassis (430mm depth). It offers dual 60 mm PSUs for reverse airflow, with the following options:
- -48VDC options: 800W, 1100W, 1400W
- 100 to 240VAC options: 1400W, 1800W
Assuming redundant PSUs for each server, there would be between four and eight PSUs for equivalent compute capacity, and between four and eight additional power cables. This consolidation of PSUs and cables not only reduces the cost of the installation (due to fewer PSUs), it also reduces the cabling, clutter, and Power Distribution Unit (PDU) ports used in the installation.
The sleds
The compute sleds offer common features such as:
- Power and management connector(s) to the chassis manager
- Pull handle(s) and a mechanical lock for attachment to the chassis (for example, spring clips)
- Side rails to aid insertion and stability in the chassis
- Ventilation holes and baffles as appropriate for cooling
- Intrusion detection for sled insertion/removal linked to iDRAC
The XR8000 provides two sled options:
- 1U sled: The 1U Compute Sled adds support for one x16 FHHL (Full Height Half Length) Slot (PCIe Gen5).
Figure 1. XR8610t
- 2U Sled: The 2U Compute Sled builds upon the foundation of the 1U Sled and adds support for an additional two x16 FHHL slots (Gen 5)
Figure 2. XR8620t
These slots can support GPUs*, SFP, DPUs, SoC Accelerators, and other NIC Options.
*More details will be available at RTS, planned for May 2023.
The chassis with sleds
Various configurations are available:
1. 1X4U - This option includes 4x1U compute sleds and PSUs:
2. 2x1U + 1x2U - This option includes 2x1U and 1x2U compute sleds and PSUs:
3. 2x2U - This option includes 2x2U compute sleds and PSUs:
The PowerEdge XR8000 offers various form factor options based on different workloads:
- General purpose far edge 2U half-width: 3 x16 FHHL (Gen 5)
- Dense Compute Optimized 1U half-width: 1 x16 FHHL (Gen 5)
You can create any of these compute node configurations to support a broad range of workloads in one chassis.
Ease of deployment
The XR8000 offers a front servicing (cold aisle) chassis, which allows it to be deployed with all cables connected to the front. This simplifies cable management and allows the server to be installed in areas where space is limited and access to the front and back of the chassis is not possible. Also, the sleds are designed to be easily field replaceable by non-IT personnel. Whether it is located at the top of the roof or in any other difficult environment, XR8000 has a dense form factor with a Class 1 temperature range (-5 to +55°C) with some configurations reaching –20C to 65C and is tested for NEBS Level 3 compliance.
Improved IT maintainance
The XR8000 multi-node server enables IT administrators to deploy compact, redundant server solutions. For example, two sleds can be configured identically and installed in the same chassis. One acts as the primary, and the other is the secondary, or backup. If the primary server goes down, the secondary server steps in to minimize or eliminate downtime. This redundant server configuration is also a great way for administrators to manage software updates seamlessly. For example, administrators can deploy the secondary server while performing maintenance, updates, or development work on the primary server.
Scalability and flexibility
XR8000 with its unique form factor and multiple deployment options provides flexibility to start with a single node and scales up to four independent nodes as needed. Depending on the needs of various workloads, deployment options can change.
The same sleds can work in either the flexible or rack mount chassis based on space constraints or user requirements.
Conclusion
XR8000 provides a streamlined approach for various edge and telecom deployment options based on different use cases. It provides a solution to the challenge of deploying small form factors at the edge, with industry-standard rugged tests (NEBS), providing a compact solution for scalability and flexibility in a temperature range of -20 to +65°C for select configurations.