The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 is a high-performance open modular uCPE platform designed to host Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) in modern enterprise and service-provider environments.

It is optimized for applications such as:

• SD-WAN
• Service-provider edge deployments
• Enterprise branch environments
• Virtualized network services

The platform combines Intel Xeon-D processing, flexible networking, expandable interfaces, storage options, and support for multiple virtualization environments in a compact network-focused design.

High-Performance Open Modular uCPE

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 is designed as an open and modular universal Customer Premises Equipment platform.

Its architecture allows organizations to deploy and consolidate multiple network functions on a single hardware platform rather than relying on separate dedicated appliances.

Key platform characteristics include:

• High-performance Intel Xeon-D 2100 processor
• Expandable network interfaces
• Optional WiFi expansion
• Front-facing networking ports
• Front-to-back airflow
• Redundant power and fan options

Processor

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 is powered by:

• Intel Xeon-D 2100 processors

Available processor configurations include:

• 4-core
• 8-core
• 16-core

These processor options allow organizations to select a configuration according to the performance requirements of their virtualized network services.

Networking Ports

The standard platform provides:

• 4 x 1GbE ports
• 2 x 10GbE ports

This provides a combination of Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for enterprise and service-provider networking environments.

Management Ports

The VEP 4600 includes:

• 2 x 10/100/1000Base-T management ports

These consist of:

• 1 management port for the CPU
• 1 management port for the BMC

This architecture provides dedicated connectivity for system and out-of-band management.

USB Connectivity

The platform provides:

• 2 x USB Type-A ports
• USB 3.0 support
• 1 x Micro USB Type-B port

The Micro USB Type-B interface can be used as a:

• Console port

Console Ports

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 includes:

• 2 serial console ports

These consist of:

• 1 console interface for the CPU
• 1 console interface for the BMC

Storage

The platform supports:

• 2 x M.2 SATA drives

Standard configuration supports up to:

• 960GB total storage

With a custom upgrade, storage can reach:

• 1.92TB

This provides local storage capacity for operating systems, virtualization software, and network applications.

Memory

The Dell VEP 4600 includes:

• 4 DIMM slots

Standard configurations support up to:

• 64GB memory

With custom upgrades, memory can reach:

• 128GB

This memory flexibility allows the platform to support different VNF and virtualization requirements.

Out-of-Band Management

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 provides out-of-band management through:

• BMC
• IPMI 2.0

The BMC is IPMI 2.0 compliant, enabling independent platform management and monitoring.

Trusted Platform Module

The platform includes:

• TPM 2.0

TPM provides a hardware-based foundation for platform security.

Intel QuickAssist Technology

The Dell VEP 4600 supports:

• Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT)

QAT is available on supported configurations.

It is:

• Supported on 8-core configurations
• Supported on 16-core configurations
• Not supported on the 4-core configuration

Expansion Slots

The platform provides:

• 2 expansion slots

Available expansion card options include:

• 4 x 10Gb DA/SFP+
• 2 x 10Gb DA/SFP+ with 2 x 1Gb
• 4 x 1Gb

These options allow organizations to expand network connectivity according to deployment requirements.

Expandable Network Architecture

The modular design of the Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 allows network connectivity to be expanded according to application and traffic requirements.

This flexibility makes it suitable for environments where network services may evolve over time.

The platform can also be upgraded using:

• Interface expansion cards
• WiFi expansion cards

BMC Management

The integrated BMC supports:

• IPMI 2.0

This provides hardware-level management functionality independent of the primary operating system.

Power Supplies

Power supply configurations vary according to the processor option.

16-Core Configuration

The standard 16-core configuration includes:

• 2 power supplies

8-Core Configuration

The standard 8-core configuration includes:

• 1 power supply

4-Core Configuration

The standard 4-core configuration includes:

• 1 power supply

Cooling and Fans

Fan configurations also vary according to processor configuration.

16-Core Configuration

The system includes:

• 5 fans

8-Core Configuration

The system includes:

• 4 fans

4-Core Configuration

The system includes:

• 4 fans

Airflow

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 uses airflow that moves:

• From the I/O side toward the power supply side

This network-oriented airflow design supports deployment within enterprise and service-provider infrastructure.

Operating System Support

The platform supports Linux operating systems including:

• Ubuntu
• Red Hat
• CentOS

This provides organizations with flexibility when selecting an operating system for network applications and virtualized workloads.

Hypervisor Support

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 supports:

• VMware ESXi
• KVM

These hypervisor options allow organizations to run multiple virtual network functions on the same physical platform.

Software Validation

Software validation is:

• Partner driven

This allows the platform to be used with solutions validated through Dell’s technology and software ecosystem.

Designed for SD-WAN

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 is particularly suited for:

• SD-WAN deployments

Its combination of x86 processing, virtualization support, flexible networking, local storage, and expansion capabilities enables organizations to consolidate multiple branch network functions onto one hardware platform.

Enterprise Branch Deployments

The platform is also suitable for enterprise branch environments that require virtualized networking services.

By hosting VNFs on a single uCPE platform, organizations can simplify branch infrastructure and reduce dependence on multiple dedicated networking appliances.

Service Provider Edge

The VEP 4600 can also be deployed at the:

• Service-provider edge

Its modular network architecture, expandable interfaces, virtualization capabilities, and multiple processor options provide flexibility for different edge networking requirements.

Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 Specifications

Processor

• Intel Xeon-D 2100
• 4-core
• 8-core
• 16-core

Networking

• 4 x 1GbE
• 2 x 10GbE

Management

• 2 x 10/100/1000Base-T
• 1 for CPU
• 1 for BMC

USB

• 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A
• 1 x Micro USB Type-B console

Console

• 2 x serial interfaces
• 1 CPU
• 1 BMC

Storage

• 2 x M.2 SATA
• Up to 960GB standard
• Up to 1.92TB with custom upgrade

Memory

• 4 DIMM slots
• Up to 64GB standard
• Up to 128GB with custom upgrade

Out-of-Band Management

• BMC
• IPMI 2.0

TPM

• TPM 2.0

QAT

• Supported
• Not available on 4-core configuration

Expansion

• 2 expansion slots

Options include:

• 4 x 10Gb DA/SFP+
• 2 x 10Gb DA/SFP+ + 2 x 1Gb
• 4 x 1Gb

Operating Systems

• Ubuntu
• Red Hat
• CentOS

Hypervisors

• VMware ESXi
• KVM

Why Choose CITS for Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600?

CITS provides IT infrastructure consultancy, products, and solutions for organizations building and upgrading enterprise technology environments.

With expertise across Dell infrastructure, switching, routing, data center solutions, servers, storage, network security, wireless solutions, and structured cabling, CITS can help organizations evaluate how the Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 fits within their wider network architecture.

For businesses implementing SD-WAN, enterprise branch virtualization, edge networking, or consolidated network services, CITS can support the selection and integration of the VEP 4600 alongside the required switching, routing, security, and data center infrastructure.

Flexible uCPE Platform for Virtualized Network Services

The Dell Virtual Edge Platform 4600 provides an open and modular foundation for organizations deploying virtualized network functions at the enterprise branch or service-provider edge.

With Intel Xeon-D 2100 processor options from 4 to 16 cores, 1GbE and 10GbE networking, expandable interfaces, up to 128GB memory through custom upgrades, up to 1.92TB M.2 SATA storage, BMC/IPMI 2.0 management, Linux support, and VMware ESXi and KVM hypervisors, the VEP 4600 provides a flexible platform for SD-WAN and other virtualized network services.