OpenBTS-UMTS Quick Install & Usage (Ubuntu, USRP)

1. Requirements

  • OS: Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 (also works on 18.04)

  • SDR: USRP B200/B210, N210, X310, etc.

  • Dependencies: UHD, libosip2, libsctp, asterisk (optional for SIP/voice)

2. Install UHD (USRP driver)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y libuhd-dev uhd-host
sudo uhd_images_downloader

Check your USRP: uhd_find_devices uhd_usrp_probe

3. Install build dependencies

sudo apt install -y build-essential git cmake autoconf automake libtool \
  libosip2-dev libsctp-dev libuhd-dev libsqlite3-dev libboost-all-dev \
  libreadline-dev libncurses5-dev asterisk

4. Build and install OpenBTS-UMTS

a) Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/RangeNetworks/openbts-umts.git
cd openbts-umts

b) Compile

./autogen.sh
./configure
make -j$(nproc)
sudo make install

5. Prepare configuration

  • Copy example configs from apps/ to /etc/OpenBTSUMTS if needed.

  • Edit:

    • NodeB.tab: cell configuration

    • OpenBTSUMTS.db: SQLite database (allowed IMSIs/users)

    • Main config: OpenBTSUMTS.config

Tip: For first tests, use open mode (accept all IMSIs).

6. Start OpenBTS-UMTS

sudo OpenBTSUMTS

  • Monitor the console: check for USRP detection and cell creation.

  • Use the interactive CLI for logs and control (help for commands).

7. Connect a 3G phone

  • Use a 3G phone (rooted/dev mode preferred) or a programmable SIM.

  • The phone’s IMSI must be in the database (OpenBTSUMTS.db).

  • For SIP + Asterisk:

    • Configure a SIP account in OpenBTS-UMTS and on your softphone.

    • Test calls between SIP devices and the phone.

8. Debug & logs

  • Logs: /var/log/OpenBTSUMTS/

  • Interactive CLI (help command)

  • Check: RF status, synchronization, attach/detach events

9. Stop cleanly

sudo pkill OpenBTSUMTS