5G SA Lab: srsRAN Project + Open5GS (Ubuntu, 2024)

1. Prerequisites

  • OS: Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 (x86_64)

  • Hardware: SDR for real RF (USRP B200/B210/X300/PlutoSDR/LimeSDR, etc.) OR use srsRAN’s software simulation for quick lab.

  • Basic requirements: Git, CMake, build-essential, etc.

2. Install Open5GS Core Network

a) Install dependencies

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y git build-essential meson ninja-build python3 python3-pip python3-setuptools \
  flex bison libsctp-dev libssl-dev libnghttp2-dev libmicrohttpd-dev \
  libyaml-dev libmariadb-dev libmongoc-dev libbson-dev mongodb

b) Get and build Open5GS

git clone https://github.com/open5gs/open5gs
cd open5gs
meson build --prefix=`pwd`/install
ninja -C build
ninja -C build install

(Binaries will be in open5gs/install/bin/)

3. Install srsRAN Project (gNB/UE)

a) Dependencies

sudo apt install -y cmake g++ libsctp-dev libfftw3-dev libmbedtls-dev \
  libboost-program-options-dev libconfig++-dev pkg-config python3 python3-pip \
  libzmq3-dev libpcsclite-dev

b) Clone and build srsRAN Project

git clone https://github.com/srsran/srsRAN_Project.git
cd srsRAN_Project
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ../
make -j$(nproc)
sudo make install

(Binaries will be in /usr/local/bin/)

4. Configure Open5GS (Core Network)

  • All config files: open5gs/install/etc/open5gs/

  • Key files to edit:

    • amf.yaml (core/AMF config)

    • smf.yaml (session mgmt)

    • upf.yaml (user-plane)

    • udm.yaml, ausf.yaml, etc.

Minimal edits:

  • Set PLMN: mcc: 001, mnc: 01 (or your custom)

  • In amf.yaml, check your ngap IP address matches your gNB’s IP

Add a test subscriber (SIM card info)

  • Open subscribers.yaml or use the Open5GS WebUI.

  • Example entry:

    - imsi: '001010123456789'
  key: '465B5CE8B199B49FAA5F0A2EE238A6BC'
  opc: 'E8ED289DEBA952E4283B54E88E6183CA'
  amf: '8000'
  sqn: '000000000000'

  • Use these credentials in your UE (real SIM or srsUE software SIM).

5. Configure srsRAN gNB

  • Config file: srsran_project/config/gnb.yaml (or gnb.conf depending on version)

Example minimal config:

plmn:
  mcc: 001
  mnc: 01
amf:
  addr: 127.0.0.1   # or IP of your Open5GS AMF
  port: 38412
slices:
  - sst: 1
    sd: 0x000001

  • Set rf.device_name to your SDR (if using RF)

  • Set network interface correctly (ex: ngap.interface_name: lo for local)

6. Configure srsRAN UE (if testing software UE)

  • Config file: srsran_project/config/ue.yaml (or ue.conf)

  • Set PLMN, key, opc, amf, and IMEI to match Open5GS subscriber info.

  • Set RF/simulation as needed.

7. Run Open5GS Core Network

Open multiple terminals (or use tmux):

cd open5gs/install/bin/
sudo ./open5gs-mmed
sudo ./open5gs-sgwcd
sudo ./open5gs-smfd
sudo ./open5gs-amfd
sudo ./open5gs-upfd
sudo ./open5gs-ausfd
sudo ./open5gs-udmd
sudo ./open5gs-pcfd
sudo ./open5gs-nrfd
sudo ./open5gs-bsfd
sudo ./open5gs-hssd

Or use the all-in-one launcher:

sudo ./open5gs-daemon

8. Run srsRAN gNB

srsran_gnb --cfg srsran_project/config/gnb.yaml

9. (Optional) Run srsUE (5G SA UE)

srsran_ue --cfg srsran_project/config/ue.yaml

Or use a physical 5G phone + SDR as RF.

10. Monitoring

  • Use the Open5GS WebUI (if installed) for easy subscriber management & status.

  • Watch logs in all terminals for attach, registration, PDU session, etc.

  • Check IP connectivity: once the UE is attached, try a ping from UE terminal.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Make sure your PLMN, keys, and addresses match on all configs.

  • Use 127.0.0.1 or a real LAN IP for AMF/NGAP as appropriate.

  • If using RF, make sure frequency, bandwidth, and SDR device are correct.

  • Software mode (“null” device) works for pure software testing (no SDR needed).