4G : LTE/LTE+ο
Find below the main software solutions to deploy, experiment with, or audit 4G/LTE networks β for research, security testing, teaching, or prototyping.
Overview of Each Stackο
srsRAN (formerly srsLTE)ο
Description: Complete software suite (eNodeB, EPC, UE) for LTE (4G) and NR (5G), widely used for research and prototyping.
Highlights: Easy to install (official PPA available), good documentation, SDR support, works for both 4G/5G, standalone or integrated use.
Typical use: eNodeB, EPC, software UE, network analysis, security testing, SDR PoC.
OpenLTEο
Description: More minimal project, focused on LTE reception, signal decoding, and SDR experimentation.
Highlights: Ultra-lightweight, simple for decoding cellId and LTE demo, less suited for full deployments.
Typical use: LTE signal decoding, cellId identification, spectrum analysis, SDR demos.
OpenAirInterface (OAI)ο
Description: Highly complete telecom research platform (4G, 5G), supporting eNodeB, EPC, gNodeB.
Highlights: Architecture faithful to 3GPP standards, many modules, strong academic community.
Typical use: Research, advanced core+RAN tests, multi-cell experimentation, up-to-date 3GPP protocol implementation.
Open5GSο
Description: Open source core network EPC (LTE/4G) and 5GC (5G), modern API, highly modular.
Highlights: Core only (no RAN), easy to integrate with 3rd-party eNodeBs (srsRAN, OAI, etc.), supports Docker/K8s, REST API.
Typical use: LTE/5G core deployments, private network integration, standalone or mixed core testing, network application development.
Quick Comparison Tableο
Stack |
Role |
License |
Highlights |
Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
srsRAN |
eNodeB, EPC, UE |
AGPLv3 |
Easy, 4G/5G, SDR support |
Moderate perf., SDR focus |
OpenLTE |
LTE Rx, Analysis |
GPLv3 |
Lightweight, simple Rx |
Not complete, no native EPC |
OAI |
eNB, EPC, gNB |
OAI Public |
3GPP accurate, modular |
Complex setup, technical doc |
Open5GS |
EPC, 5GC (Core) |
AGPLv3 |
Pure core, modern API |
No RAN included |