OpenBSC is a project to develop a free software implementation of GSM protocol stack and elements. It runs on Linux and requires an E1 interface (ISDN Primary Rate Interface, via mISDN). It is written in C and licensed using the GPL (≥v2) license.
Contents
The first version implemented the GSM specification 21.12 and 08.5x, and worked for a specific Base Transceiver Station (Siemens BS11 MicroBTS). The first release of the project took place at the Chaos Communication Congress held in 2008 (25c3, Running your own GSM network).
Functions
OpenBSC implements several MSC components, including the A-bis protocol (the protocol between the BTS and the BSC), AUC, HLR, VLR (both using SQL tables), and a SMS Switching Center. OpenBSC can be accessed using telnet.
Currently-supported BTS hardware
OpenBSC supports the following BTS devices: