OpenBTS (1 part) - First acquaintance

OpenBTS.org is an open source project on GitHub , designed to revolutionize mobile networks by replacing outdated telecommunications protocols and traditionally complex patented hardware systems using an Internet protocol and software with a flexible architecture. The architecture of this system is open to innovation, allowing anyone to develop new applications and services based on OpenBTS and greatly simplifies the configuration and operation of the mobile network.

OpenBTS uses the GNURadio software to create a GSM radio interface to support mobile devices operating in the 2G GSM standard and uses the SIP switch or PBX to connect calls. You could even say that OpenBTS is a simplified form of IMS that works with 2G-functional phones. The combination of the global GSM standard with an inexpensive VoIP connection forms the basis of a new type of cellular network that can be deployed and operated at a much lower cost than existing technologies in many applications. An example of such use is the deployment of OpenBTS in rural areas or private cellular networks in remote areas.

Story

The project was launched by Harvin Samra and David A. Burgess. And initially their main task was to reduce the price of GSM services in poor countries and regions , as well as the ability to quickly create their own mobile network in areas remote from civilization.
Gradually, the project began to focus more on private companies and commercial organizations in order to provide an internal mobile network.
It is also worth noting that the developers working on the project, during their early work on OpenBTS and related projects, were faced with currently resolved issues of legal claims. In fact, this led to the fact that part of the code for low-level operation (interaction) with GSM was rewritten from scratch.


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Benefits of using OpenBTS

• security of the internal corporate network OpenBTS, which is transmitted via mobile devices from external mobile operators;
• the ability to set up your own mobile network in areas with poor mobile coverage;
• savings on mobile calls and text messages within the network
• ability to connect to the network not only with the help of mobile phones, but also when using other communication devices (analog phones, computers (Skype), CRM systems)
• flexible adjustment to the company's own needs or even to specific subscribers and the addition of its own functionality to the system;
• creation of mobile mobile stations.

OpenBTS Hacking Application

• use in conjunction with the project osmocom ;
• substitution of the existing cell of the mobile operator;
• IMSI Catcher ;
• GSM jammer;
• seizure of a specific subscriber by IMSI and disabling encryption;
• use for other projects to hack mobile networks and test their security.

Current development

• GPRS support
• A3-A8-A5 / 1 authentication and encryption
• Transfer Support
• Roaming
• L3Rewrite
• Using an OpenBTS Transceiver "to run the OsmoBTS / OpenBSC network

OpenBTS-UMTS is a Linux application that uses GNU Radio and is a UMTS network for any standard 3G UMTS phone or modem. It is based on the main OpenBTS project, where the MS or UE is treated as the IP endpoint on the edge of the network.

Interesting links

• OpenBTS project portal - the official Wikipedia project OpenBTS
• Old OpenBTS Wiki - Old Wikipedia Version of the OpenBTS Project
• Sylvain Muno, The attackers use Calypso phones - this presentation also shows the use of the Osmocom-BB phone as a transceiver for OpenBTS
• Software Radio / OpenBTS - The Well Tempered Hacker Ep 4
• TUTORIAL & DEMO OPENBTS BY TKJ PNJ 2011
• Official equipment for OpenBTS
• YateBTS Blog

PS Very interesting views from readers about the article and the OpenBTS article itself, suggestions and comments. As well as tips and suggestions for cooperation to write the following articles of the cycle, where practical use of OpenBTS will be described.