- Table of contents
- Configuration Guide
- 2G Networks
- 3G Networks
Configuration Guide¶
The first challenge in setting up a cellular network is to actually know what you
want to setup and which components you need to achieve that.
2G Networks¶
Radio Equipment¶
There is a multitude of BTS equipment that works with Osmocom to choose from.
Various BTS models actually run Osmocom's OsmoBTS and OsmoPCU software on the BTS itself:
- sysmoBTS models 1002, 1002OD, 1020, 1200, 1100 and 2050 (osmo-bts-sysmo)
- SDR based BTSs, e.g. using the Ettus B200 or Fairwaves' UmTRX (osmo-trx plus osmo-bts-trx)
- Octasic OctBTS (osmo-bts-octphy)
- Nutaq Litecell 1.5 / sysmoBTS 2100 (osmo-bts-lc15)
Others are "closed" BTS that are nevertheless interoperable with Osmocom's BSC implementation:
- ip.access NanoBTS
- Siemens BS11
- Ericsson RBS
Core Network¶
- Are you going to plug into a 3rd party MSC, e.g. the "voice" part of a mobile operator's core network? Then you will want to use the standalone OpenBSC approach.
- Since 2017, Osmocom offers a true SCCP/M3UA based 3GPP A-over-IP interface. This is available in the new osmo-bsc.git: look for
osmo-bsc
in Binary_Packages or sysmocom OpenEmbedded feeds (starting from "201705"). - Since 2018, Osmocom re-introduced supportfor an SCCPlite based A-interface. Do NOT use
osmo-bsc-sccplite
from the oldopenbsc.git
repository; The code is deprecated and unmaintained for years.
- Since 2017, Osmocom offers a true SCCP/M3UA based 3GPP A-over-IP interface. This is available in the new osmo-bsc.git: look for
- Are you looking for a self-contained complete core network?
- Since 2017, it is recommended to use OsmoHLR, OsmoMSC, OsmoSTP, OsmoBSC and OsmoMGW. See the Osmocom Network In The Box guide.
- Historically, Osmocom offered the OsmoNITB "Network-In-The-Box" approach. It is still available, but active development is now focused on the new separate programs, see Osmocom Network In The Box. To migrate from OsmoNITB to the new separate programs, see the OsmoNITB Migration Guide.
- osmo-sip-connector may connect your OsmoMSC or OsmoNITB to external VoIP services.
- GPRS and EGPRS data services are provided by, for example, by OsmoSGSN and OsmoGGSN. Operation with a 3rd party SGSN or GGSN are also possible. See Osmocom Network In The Box.
- Osmocom also contains various tools to tunnel GTP, RTP/MGCP or A protocols through a NAT layer:
- osmo-bsc_nat
- osmo-bsc_mgcp
- gtphub
3G Networks¶
Radio Equipment¶
You will need hNodeB hardware that is capable of talking the Iuh protocol over IP. This type of 3G cell is also known as small cell or femto-cell.
sysmocom offers a professional small cell product for these purposes to customers.
We're also working on a lowest-cost femtocell offering strictly limited to active contributors to the Osmocom projects.
Core Network¶
As outlined in this article, the Osmocom 3G core network uses OsmoHNBGW to connect to OsmoMSC and OsmoSGSN. Furthermore osmo-bsc_mgcp is used to relay RTP voice streams and OsmoGGSN may be used to provide data services.
Updated by laforge almost 2 years ago · 21 revisions