Build Your Own 2G GSM Base Station with USRP X310

In this blog post, we walk you through setting up a 2G base station using the USRP X310 and OpenBTS software. While alternatives like YateBTS exist, we focus on OpenBTS for clarity and stability. Please note all tests are conducted in a secure, license-exempt environment to ensure full legal compliance.

Getting Started: What You Need

• USRP X310 with UBX160 daughterboards
• Host PC running Ubuntu 22.04 or newer
• GNU Radio and UHD 4.1 or later installed

• GSM-capable phone for network testing

Cloning and Installing OpenBTS

Begin by cloning the OpenBTS repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/PentHertz/OpenBTS
cd OpenBTS
# Optionally checkout the stable 5.1.0 branch
git checkout 5.1.0

Run the preinstall script. Note that libcoredumper errors may appear but can be safely bypassed:

./preinstall.sh

Afterward, proceed with building and installing OpenBTS:

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

Preparing the USRP X310

Before launching OpenBTS, load the firmware and FPGA image using the UHD probe tool:

uhd_usrp_probe

This will output information confirming the device and firmware loading:

[INFO] [UHD] linux; GNU C++ version ...
[INFO] [X310] Loading firmware image...
[INFO] [X310] Detected Device: USRP X310
[INFO] [X310] Loading FPGA image...
...

Launching OpenBTS and Supporting Services

Start the required services in the background and then launch OpenBTS:

sudo smqueue &
sudo sipauthserve &
cd /OpenBTS
sudo /OpenBTS/OpenBTS

Configuring Your Base Station

After OpenBTS is running, check the current configuration:

config

To set the base station name to whatever you like, we will set it to SDRstore. Run:

config GSM.identity.ShortName SDRstore

We recommend restarting OpenBTS to apply changes:

restart
sudo /OpenBTS/OpenBTS

Connecting Your Phone to the Network

On your phone, go to Settings > Mobile Networks and uncheck “Connect automatically.” The network “00101” should appear. Select it to connect. The phone may initially show “00101” because it hasn’t yet read the ShortName. Once connected, you will receive an SMS displaying your IMSI number.

Additional Tips

• Use sudo tail -f /var/log/OpenBTS.log to monitor logs for troubleshooting
• Ensure no other SDR applications occupy the USRP device
• Set your phone to 2G-only mode if connection issues arise

Purchase Your USRP X310 Today

We offer the USRP X310 at the best possible price with guaranteed quality. Shipping is handled by premium carriers such as DHL and FedEx to ensure safe and timely delivery worldwide.