OpenBTS

OpenBTS A Way of Providing Internet Access to growth CountriesAbstract The mobile meshwork infrastructure of the twenty-first century is monolithic. It de facto closed and complex systems confound some suppliers. They atomic number 18 mostly pre- internet protocol run, and their architectural concept keeps evolving. However, this evolution has non resulted in them being economical or flexible. Thus OpenBTS brings the empowerment that is infallible to build and operate cellular ne bothrks. Given that the technologies and capabilities ar necessary to impinge on such systems is quick available. This paper will ascertain at the OpenBTS. What it means, how it works, components indispensable to create it, how these components function about each opposite. Also, the paper will look at the cost involved in setting up OpenBTS and how viable it is in the growth nations.?OpenBTS A Way of Providing Internet Access to Developing CountriesOpen hateful Transceiver Station simply is known as OpenBTS is a GSM devil point that is packet based. It al low-pitcheds the single-valued function of mobile phones that are GSM compatible with parting over the internet protocol. The software is categorized as open credit by its developers Range Networks. Its public release as an open ascendant software revolutionized the lower three layers of the GSM protocol stack (Iedema, 22). The OpenBTS is abbreviated by the C++, as free software, its controlled by the GNU Affero General prevalent License terms and conditions. How the OpenBTS works. OpenBTS operates by replacing the third layer of naturalized GSM operational infrastructure. As opposed to GSM system that forwards omens through with(predicate) the radiocommunication resource management protocol via base stations that are external, OpenBTS has inborn units that perform this function.OpenBTS uses SIP to deliver calls to VOIP soft switch and therefore bypasses the film to route the call to the operators mobile switching center Burgess (David Samra, 13). The VIOP software is installed, and the OpenBTS are installed in one calculator to form a cellular meshing that delivers calls to VOIP soft switch and therefore bypasses the need to route the call to the operators mobile switching center. The VIOP software is installed, and the OpenBTS are installed in one computer to form a cellular network that is self-sufficient. However, it excessively possible to put together several OpenBTS units to share a common VOIP switch to form a network.Other components of GSMGSM components loafer be divided into four areas.These are the MS ( smooth Station), BSS (Base-Station Subsystem, NSS (Network and shimmy Subsystem) and OSS (Operation and Support Subsystem. These four fractions within the GSM network operate together as one unit, and therefore users never realize the difference that exists in the corpse (Iedema, 32). The components would take the below shape regarding a diagram representation.Th e MS or mobile stations also known as the cell or mobile phones and is the part of the GSM network that is seen and operated by the users. Technological trigger has alter the size and functionality of this part of the network over the years. The mobile station has two elements that help it carry out its functions. These are the Hardware, and the reviewer indistinguishability faculty often referred to as the SIM (David & Samra, 13).The SIM contains the users information that the network uses to identify them and the IMSI which is the International Mobile Subscriber individuality (IMSI). The hardware contains the devices that are utilise to generate info and transmit it. It also contains the International Mobile Equipment Identity which is an international recognition used to trace stolen phones. The BSS or Base Station Subsystem has two sections, the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and the Base Station Controller (BSC). The BTS communicates with the mobile through an Um larbo ard and associated protocols (Iedema, 24). The BTC renders radio resources that communicate with and control through an Abis interface.The NSS or Networking Switching Subsystem is the spirit element of the GSM network, and it contains several elements. These elements are Mobile Services Switching effect which acts as the switching node and enables functions such as registration, authentication, and call situation among other functions to be performed. The Home Location Register element contains the administrative information used to register the user to the network and direct calls appropriately. The visitor Location Register contains information that allows individual users to access the services that they request.The Equipment Identity Register, checks for the International Mobile Equipment Identity to verify if the particular equipment is allowed to accesses the services. Authentication focus on interprets the link between the SIM card and the network through a notice tha t helps in radio connection. The Gateway Mobile Switching Center is accountable for obtaining Mobile Station Roaming Number that helps in call termination.The other element of the GSM network is the OSS (Operation and Support Subsystem). Its the component that connects the NSS and BSC. The GSM network is controlled and monitored by this element. It also used to monitor traffic load that goes through the BSS. The connection between OpenBTS and other GSM network components OpenBTS loafer be connected to GSM through software or hardware.The software elements are the GNU Radio and the Asterisk. This is a software rooms that has several modules that are united with minimal hardware and used in implementing radio systems in personal computers. Its an interface that is graphical with blocks that represent stages through which data flows. This graphical representation is achieved through the use of Python programming lyric poem (David Samra, 13). The asterisk is the communication serve r that pull up stakess the capability that enables BTS to route calls accurately, perform pay off registration and authentication processes in the GSM networks. The asterisk enables the network to read the Subscriber Identity Modules as the SIP user, and their International Mobile Subscriber Identity as the SIP username. This is achieved by connecting the Asterisk PBX to the OpenBTS. The other way of connecting OpenBTS to GSM network is through the use of hardware such Motherboard Ettus Research Universal package Radio Peripheral.Also, daughterboards RFX900 with VERT900 antennas and GSM terminals equipped with SIM cards is required. The connection is made through motherboard that mint accommodate several daughterboards (David Samra, 13). The interface between the motherboard and the daughterboards is provided by USB cable that can transmit Radio frequency bandwidth.Cost of OpenBTS and other components Compared to the tralatitious cell networks, OpenBTS is low in cost as most o f the components needed are soft available. The software and the equipment used to create an OpenBTS through GSM network are readily available in stores and online (Heimerl et al., 3). This has made OpenBTS cost effective as compared to the traditional landline network or the other cellular networks such satellite.The but challenge that OpenBTS faces are the availability of power in rural areas that are of the gridiron. The use of other sources of power could prove to be expensive and run the cost of the network high especially in a developing commonwealth where income levels are low.Feasibility of OpenBTS in the rural areaThe feasibility of OpenBTS in providing internet access in the rural and remote area is great. Through the use of simple and easily available material, networks that can cover a roentgen of up to 15miles is easily created (Heimerl et al., 3). This would drastically improve the coverage area of these of grid areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach. V arious advantages would come with Using OpenBTS to provide internet to the rural area. The cost of OpenBTS is low compared to other forms of such as satellite or landline.The equipment and technology required to build OpenBTS are low-cost and readily available. However, there are also the cons of OpenBTS (David Samra, 13). Several regulations hinder the increment and use of this technology. The process of getting approval to develop OpenBTS network can be tiresome in some countries. Also, the radius cover by OpenBTS network can be relatively small requiring the creation of ninefold networks to cover wide areas. OpenBTS in Indonesia In Indonesia, the OpenBTS is provided by an American startup Endaga. The comp any operates the module through the Village Base Station which is attach on the small cuff and mounted on metallic poles (Heimerl Brewer, 3).The equipment is ply by solar panels that are mounted on the same pole. The box is further fit with management software that perfo rms billing and analytics functions. These stations combine the function of a traditional GSM equipment and programmable computer allowing them to provide more value. They provide both voice and data capabilities to the rural villages. After experiencing success with this innovation in two primary towns, Endaga is preparing to expand to other locations within the country and the continent.Conclusion For the two first century to truly be a century of technological advance, there must be an equal distribution of internet services. Both the rural and urban areas must be covered effectively by internet services. There has been concentration on the urban areas with the number of services providers in these areas going up. However, the rural and poor areas have been given little attention or at times solely neglected. Most developing countries in Africa and Asia lack essential internet connectivity. In the areas where the services are available, they are still expensive for many who are poor.The OpenBTS promises to solve the two-fold problem that many remote and poor areas are facing. Since it allows for firms to provide for cheap internet services, it will eliminate the problem of affordability. Also, it will also offer off-grid areas that lack power. Through innovation like the one that has been exhibited by Endaga, it is now possible to provide internet services in any area. It is now upon the various governments of the developing nations to ensure that right policies that will press forward the development of the concept is in place.