Hewlett Packard Enterprise is rolling out new AI-focused networking and compute platforms ahead of Mobile World Congress 2026, targeting service providers that are scaling infrastructure from the core to the edge. The updates span routing, AI-optimized servers, cloud operations software, and financing, as HPE deepens the integration of Juniper Networks into its service provider portfolio.
HPE’s strategy centers on AI-native, high-capacity networks designed to handle rising traffic volumes, new uplink demands, and low-latency AI services. A key component is the expanded Juniper PTX routing portfolio built on the Juniper Express 5 ASIC, which delivers a 49 percent power-efficiency improvement over the prior generation. HPE positions the new PTX platforms to provide ultra-high density, predictable latency, and secure data center interconnect at scale for AI workloads.
In compute, HPE is introducing new ProLiant systems aimed at 5G and AI deployments. The ProLiant Compute EL9000 chassis paired with the EL140 Gen12 server doubles fronthaul bandwidth and increases core counts by 20 percent compared to previous generations. Powered by Intel Xeon 6 SoCs with integrated AI acceleration, including Intel vRAN Boost and Intel AMX, the system delivers 72 CPU cores and 24 network ports per server in a 2U footprint (3.5 inches / 8.9 cm high), with up to two servers per chassis. HPE is also expanding support for the Juniper Cloud Native Router on its 1U DL110 and 2U EL140 Gen12 servers, enabling operators to consolidate RAN and routing functions and reduce cell-site hardware.
Among the networking highlights at MWC 2026:
- Juniper PTX12000 modular routers
- 800G ultra-dense port density on 1.6T-ready platforms
- Scales to 345.6T (PTX12008, 8-slot) and 518.4T (PTX12012, 12-slot)
- Designed to maintain low latency and architectural consistency as capacity expands
- Juniper PTX10002 fixed routers
- 28.8T or 14.4T throughput in a 2RU form factor (3.5 inches / 8.9 cm high)
- Multi-rate 100G, 400G, and 800G interfaces
- Targeted at AI fabrics and WAN edge deployments
- Juniper Routing Director (agentic-AI ready)
- Connects with customer AI co-pilots
- Automates WAN workflows and post-deployment optimization
- Aims to simplify AI-native network operations
HPE also introduced HPE Cloud Ops Software, a unified cloud management stack that integrates virtualization, containers, observability, AIOps, cyber resiliency, DevOps automation, and FinOps across multicloud environments. The company says the platform provides a single control plane to modernize private clouds, reduce reliance on traditional hypervisors, and support secure multi-tenant services for AI-driven workloads.
HPE Financial Services launched a 90/9 Advantage financing program that defers payments for 90 days, followed by 1 percent monthly lease payments for nine months across networking, compute, storage, and software portfolios.
“AI infrastructure is a critical growth driver for service providers,” said Rami Rahim, executive vice president, president and general manager, Networking, HPE. “With high-performing infrastructure; simplified ease of management across compute, storage, and networking; and built-in security, HPE is helping customers virtualize and modernize their networks, simplify operations, and create new, higher-value services and advanced AI capabilities.”
🌐 Analysis
HPE is aligning routing, telco compute, and cloud software under a unified AI-native architecture as it integrates Juniper Networks into its broader portfolio. The emphasis on 800G interfaces, multi-hundred-Tbps chassis scaling, and power efficiency reflects intensifying competition in AI backbone and data center fabrics, where operators evaluate platforms based on density per rack unit, watts per Tbps, and automation capabilities.
The move also positions HPE against vendors such as Cisco, Nokia, and Arista that are expanding AI-optimized routing and data center offerings, while hyperscalers push for greater automation and open integration with AI orchestration layers. By combining PTX routing, cloud-native RAN consolidation, and unified cloud operations software, HPE is attempting to address both transport and compute economics as AI reshapes service provider architectures.
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