Cellular Network Infrastructure

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h1. 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.

h1. 2G Networks

h2. 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:

* [[OpenBSC:sysmoBTS]] models 1002, 1002OD, 1020, 1200, 1100 and 2050 (osmo-bts-sysmo)

* [[OsmoTRX:|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 layer:

* ip.access [[OpenBSC:NanoBTS]]

* Siemens [[OpenBSC:BS11]]

* [[OpenBSC:Ericsson RBS]]

h2. 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 A-interface. This is available in the new osmo-bsc.git; look for "osmo-bsc" in nightly debian packages / OpenEmbedded feeds (starting from "201705").

** Originally, Osmocom supported only an SCCPlite based A-interface. This is still available in the old openbsc.git; in nightly debian packages, look for "osmocom-bsc", in OpenEmbedded feeds (starting from "201705"), look for "osmo-bsc-sccplite".

* 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. To migrate from OsmoNITB to the new separate programs, see the [[OsmoNITB Migration Guide]].

* [[Miscellaneous Projects:osmo-sip-connector]] may connect your OsmoMSC or OsmoNITB to external VoIP services.

* GPRS and EGPRS data services are provided by, for example, [[OsmoSGSN:]] and [[OpenGGSN:OsmoGGSN]]. Operation with a 3rd party SGSN or GGSN are also possible.

* Osmocom also contains various tools to tunnel GTP, RTP/MGCP or A protocols through a NAT layer:

** osmo-bsc_nat

** osmo-bsc_mgcp

** gtphub

h1. 3G Networks

h2. 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.

h2. Core Network

As outlined in "this article":https://osmocom.org/news/59, 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.

See [[Getting Started with 3G]]