An LTE base station entirely in software
Summary
Fabrice Bellard implements the LTE baseband and core network as software on an ordinary PC with radio hardware. The system is called Amarisoft LTE 100. The base station ran on standard PC hardware.
Ideas
- Software-defined radio moves signal processing from special chips into programs.
- A PC generates and decodes complex LTE signals in real time.
- Standardised protocols allow off-the-shelf devices to connect.
- Measurable timings determine which tasks run reliably in software.
Insights
- Open implementations make closed radio protocols open to examination.
- General-purpose hardware replaces special equipment as soon as computing power and latency suffice.
- Protocol standards create interoperability even without identical implementations.
Facts
- Off-the-shelf LTE phones were able to connect.
Recommendations
- Only transmit on permitted frequencies and in test environments.
- Keep radio, protocol and core network diagnostics separate.
References
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