Welcome to OpenBSC

This is a project aiming to create a Free Software, GPL-licensed Abis (plus BSC/MSC/HLR) implementation for experimentation and research purpose.

What this means: OpenBSC is a GSM network in a box software, implementing the minimal necessary parts to build a small, self-contained GSM network.

OpenBSC includes functionality normally performed by the following components of a GSM network: BSC (Base Station Controller), MSC (Mobile Switching Center), HLR (Home Location Register), AuC (Authentication Center), VLR (Visitor Location Register), EIR (Equipment Identity Register).

Right now we are targeting the Siemens BS11 microBTS and ip.access nanoBTS GSM base transceiver station, but we are planning to support different BTS equipment in the future.

We are looking for HardwareDonations of any kind of GSM / 3G related carrier equipment.

OpenBSC Software

• OpenBSC -- The Free Software project implementing various parts of the GSM network
  • BscHack -- A stand-alone gsm-network-in-a-box program implementing minimal subset of BSC, MSC, HLR, AuC and EIR.
    • bsc_hack_VTY -- Reference for the interactive command line and config file
  • bs11_config -- A small tool for configuring the BS-11 using RS232
  • ipaccess-find -- A small tool to find nanoBTS in your network
  • ipaccess-config -- A small tool to set NVRAM configuration of the nanoBTS
  • isdnsync -- A small tool to use the PSTN as frequency standard
  • bsc_msc_ip -- A utility to connect to a MSC via A over IP
  • bsc_mgcp? -- A stupid MediaGatewayControlProtocol? (MGCP) gateway
    • bsc_mgcp_VTY -- Reference for the interactive command line and config file
  • bsc_nat -- a BSC NAT/Multiplexer
    • bsc_nat_VTY -- Reference for the interactive command line and config file
  • osmo-gbproxy -- A proxy/gateway for aggregating multiple Gb links betwen BSS and SGSN
    • osmo-gbproxy_VTY -- Reference for the interactive command line and config file
  • osmo-sgsn -- A work-in-progress SGSN
    • osmo-sgsn_VTY -- Reference for the interactive command line and config file

Information related to a specific BTS model

• BS11 -- The Siemens microBTS
  • BS11_Sales -- BS-11 units are sold out by now, sorry.
  • BS11_Package_List -- Make sure everything is in the package
  • BS11_Configuration -- How to use / setup the hardware
  • BS11_LMT -- The local maintenance Terminal
  • BS11_Getting_Started -- Getting started with your BS-11
  • BS11_Troubleshooting -- When something doesn't work
  • BS11_Internals -- Details like PCB photographs
• nanoBTS -- the ip.access nanoBTS
  • nanoBTS_Models -- Known models
  • nanoBTS_Internals -- Details like PCB photographs and debug port
  • nanoBTS_multiTRX -- Creating a nanoBTS multi-TRX setup

Miscellaneous Information

• HFC-E1 Evaluation Board -- The E1 card we use for our software
• GSMStandards -- The specifications for GSM
• A5: Authentication & Ciphering
  • A5_GSM_AT_tricks
• mISDN -- The Linux ISDN stack
• LegalNotes -- Important Legal notes on operating GSM base stations
• HandsetBugs -- Things we have observed during development
• GSM_Security -- The GSM security issues that we find

Howtos

• Standard configuration:
  • Building_OpenBSC -- Getting started with OpenBSC under Debian
• Advanced topics:
  • OpenBSC_LCR -- OpenBSC+LCR with Asterisk
  • E1-to-RJ45 -- Howto build your E1<>RJ45 cable
  • Isdnsync -- Howto use the PSTN as frequency standard
  • OpenBSCWithSCCP -- Howto use OpenBSC with a separate/real MSC
  • OpenBSC_GPRS -- Howto add data support to your OpenBSC setup
  • OpenBSC_Crypto -- Howto add A5/x cryptography support to your OpenBSC setup

• HF-Topics:
  • cable_antenna -- Build new antennas for your BTS
  • ethernet_dummyload -- Use an old ethernet terminator as dummyload
  • 10db_attenuator -- Turn 30mW into 3 mW

Developers

• git checkout is available via git clone git://bs11-abis.gnumonks.org/openbsc.git
  • you now also need libosmocore to build openbsc: git clone git://git.osmocom.org/libosmocore.git
• Mailinglist is at http://lists.gnumonks.org/mailman/listinfo/openbsc
• Tarballs of libosmocore and OpenBSC
• Wiki is right here ;)

Tools for developers

• WandelGoltermannMA10 -- a GSM protocol analyzer ISA card
• TektronixK1103 -- GSM protocol tester and analyzer
• PacketDump -- Using wireshark on PCAP files
• MagicSIM -- SIM cards where you can program the Ki

News

• OpenBSC will be running an experimental GSM network at http://har2009.org/ in mid-August 2009
  • check https://wiki.har2009.org/page/GSM for more information
  • we have a dedicated HAR2009 page in this wiki for our coordination/preparation
• The slides of the 25C3 presentation ''Running your own GSM network'' are available.
• The slides of the 26C3 presentation ''Fuzzing GSM handsets using OpenBSC'' are available

Thanks

• to http://netzing.de for funding part of the OpenBSC development
• to http://junghanns.net for supporting us with discounted E1 boards
• to http://www.on-waves.com for funding part of the OpenBSC development

Related projects

• OpenBTS
• The THC GSM project
• airprobe.org
• Homepage of Dr.-Ing. Joachim Goeller

Starting Points about trac

• About WikiFormatting
• TracGuide -- Built-in Documentation
• The Trac project -- Trac Open Source Project
• Trac FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions
• TracSupport -- Trac Support

For a complete list of local wiki pages, see TitleIndex.