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SDRstore.eu • 06/09/2026

OpenAirInterface vs srsRAN: Which Open-Source 5G Stack Is Better for Your SDR Lab?

Updated: June 2026. This guide compares OpenAirInterface and srsRAN for software-defined radio laboratories, 5G standalone networks, USRP B210 and X310 hardware, Open5GS, OAI Core, commercial user equipment, O-RAN, CU-DU splits, radio units, RF simulation, PHY research, private-network testing, and university projects.

OpenAirInterface and srsRAN are two of the most important open-source platforms for building a 5G software-defined radio laboratory.

Both can help universities, telecom companies, cybersecurity teams, wireless researchers, and engineering students build private 5G testbeds, connect compatible user equipment, experiment with radio-access-network architecture, and study real cellular protocols using SDR hardware.

However, they are not identical tools.

srsRAN Project is usually the cleaner starting point for a practical 5G standalone lab using a USRP B210, a third-party 5G Core such as Open5GS, and a compatible commercial handset.

OpenAirInterface, usually shortened to OAI, is a broader end-to-end cellular research ecosystem. It includes an open 5G gNB, an open nrUE implementation, a separate OAI 5G Core project, RF simulation tools, PHY-level development workflows, O-RAN integrations, and advanced directions such as FR2, NTN, and AI-enhanced receiver research.

The best choice depends on what your laboratory wants to accomplish first.

This guide explains the differences between OpenAirInterface and srsRAN, which one is easier for beginners, which one is better for deep PHY research, which SDR hardware to buy, when USRP B210 is enough, when USRP X310 becomes necessary, and why many serious laboratories eventually use both stacks.

Browse current hardware in the USRP SDR devices, boards, and accessories category and the broader software-defined radio equipment category at SDRstore.eu.

Quick Answer: OpenAirInterface or srsRAN?

Your Main Goal	Recommended Stack	Why
Build your first practical 5G SA SDR lab	srsRAN Project	Clear tutorials for USRP B210, Open5GS, commercial handsets, external clocks, and Split 8 deployment
Learn 5G RAN configuration with a commercial smartphone	srsRAN Project	Strong COTS UE documentation and tested-device guidance
Use an open gNB and an open software UE	OpenAirInterface	OAI maintains both gNB and nrUE implementations
Modify PHY behavior deeply	OpenAirInterface	Strong research direction for PHY simulation, RF simulation, gNB, UE, FR2, NTN, and advanced experiments
Study Open RAN architecture with Split 7.2 radio units	srsRAN Project or OAI	Both ecosystems support O-RAN-oriented research; srsRAN provides especially accessible current RU tutorials
Build a CU-DU Split 8 lab using a USRP B210	srsRAN Project	Official documentation provides a B210, Open5GS, and COTS UE workflow
Run an intra-gNB handover lab with independent RF chains	srsRAN Project with USRP X310	Official tutorial documents X310 for this use case
Use one open ecosystem for RAN, UE, and 5G Core research	OpenAirInterface	OAI provides separate but connected RAN, nrUE, and OAI Core projects
Test interoperability between open-source cellular stacks	Use both	A mixed lab provides broader research value than choosing only one ecosystem

For many new laboratories, the safest first path is:

USRP B210 → srsRAN Project gNB → Open5GS Core → compatible 5G SA handset

For deeper protocol-stack research, add:

OpenAirInterface gNB → OAI nrUE → OAI Core → RFsimulator and real SDR hardware

OpenAirInterface vs srsRAN Comparison Table

Feature	OpenAirInterface	srsRAN Project
Main identity	Broad end-to-end cellular research ecosystem	Open-source 5G CU-DU RAN solution
5G gNB	Yes	Yes
5G UE implementation	Yes, OAI nrUE	srsRAN Project itself does not include a production-ready UE; prototype 5G extensions exist through srsUE from srsRAN 4G for proof-of-concept testing
Own 5G Core project	Yes, OAI Core Network	No integrated core; official tutorials commonly recommend Open5GS
Best first COTS UE lab	Possible	Strong starting choice due to accessible official documentation
Best deep PHY research direction	Strong advantage	Capable, but many users choose OAI when extensive PHY modification is the priority
RF simulation	Strong RFsimulator and PHY simulator direction	ZeroMQ, virtual-radio, dummy-RU, RU-emulation, and test-mode workflows
Commercial handset support direction	Yes	Yes, with official COTS UE tutorials and tested-device resources
O-RAN Split 7.2 direction	Yes, with continuing O-RAN fronthaul development	Yes, with detailed RU, switch, timing, DPDK, and Kubernetes documentation
CU-DU split	Yes	Yes, including documented Split 8 and Split 7.2 workflows
NearRT-RIC and xApps	Relevant O-RAN research direction	Documented E2 interface interoperability with third-party RIC frameworks and xApps
FR1	Yes	Yes
FR2	Official OAI RAN page lists FR2 support direction	Focus current entry-level SDR lab planning primarily on FR1 unless the selected srsRAN architecture and RF hardware explicitly support the intended FR2 project
NTN research	Active NTN research direction for GEO and LEO scenarios	Official feature direction includes NTN GEO support and an NTN tutorial
Beginner learning curve	Steeper for full-stack work	Often easier for the first practical B210-based lab
Best long-term lab strategy	Use for deep stack research and interoperability	Use for practical RAN deployment, Open RAN labs, and interoperability

Important Clarification: These Projects Do Not Have the Same Scope

Comparing OpenAirInterface and srsRAN requires one important clarification.

srsRAN Project is primarily an open-source 5G CU-DU RAN implementation.

A practical srsRAN 5G standalone laboratory normally adds:

A third-party 5G Core such as Open5GS
A commercial 5G SA handset, test modem, or compatible UE
A USRP device or O-RAN radio unit
Suitable clocking and synchronization
SIM credentials
Authorized RF environment

OpenAirInterface is broader as an ecosystem.

OAI provides:

OAI 5G gNB
OAI nrUE
OAI 5G Core Network
OAI OAM direction
RF simulation
PHY simulation
Real SDR integration
Commercial UE testing
O-RAN-related integrations
FR1 and FR2 research directions
NTN experimentation

This does not mean OAI is automatically better.

It means OAI exposes more of the cellular system for researchers who need to modify and study several layers.

What Is srsRAN Project?

srsRAN Project is an open-source 5G CU-DU RAN solution maintained by Software Radio Systems.

It includes a complete L1, L2, and L3 stack with limited external dependencies and is designed to scale from lower-power compute systems to cloud-RAN architectures.

srsRAN Project is especially useful for:

Practical 5G SA laboratories
USRP B210 private-network experiments
Commercial handset attachment
Open5GS integration
CU-DU splits
Split 8 USRP labs
O-RAN Split 7.2 radio-unit labs
NearRT-RIC and xApp research
Intra-gNB handover
Network slicing experiments
Kubernetes deployment
DPDK-oriented deployments
Performance tuning
NTN GEO research direction
University courses
Telecom prototyping

Current srsRAN Project feature direction

3GPP Release 17 alignment
FDD and TDD support
FR1 bands
Up to 100 MHz TDD bandwidth direction
Up to 50 MHz FDD bandwidth direction
15 kHz and 30 kHz subcarrier spacing
256-QAM
4×4 MIMO direction
RAN slicing
CU-DU split
Split 7.2 support through its Open Fronthaul library
E2 interface direction
Multiple cells per gNB
Intra-gNB handover
NTN GEO direction

What Is OpenAirInterface?

OpenAirInterface is an open-source cellular research ecosystem maintained through the OpenAirInterface Software Alliance.

OAI RAN provides a software-based implementation for 5G and future networking technologies, with simulation, prototyping, end-to-end deployment, commercial-hardware integration, and advanced research workflows.

OAI RAN includes:

5G gNB
5G nrUE
4G LTE eNB
4G LTE UE
SA and NSA support direction
FR1 research
FR2 research
Commercial handset interoperability
Real SDR integration
RF simulation
PHY simulators
O-RAN-related workflows
Advanced protocol-stack experimentation

OAI RAN official 5G direction

Capability	Official OAI RAN Direction
FR1 gNB bandwidth	10–100 MHz
FR2 gNB bandwidth	100–200 MHz
Subcarrier spacing direction	15 kHz and 30 kHz for listed FR1 gNB workflows; 120 kHz for listed FR2 direction
Layers	Up to 4 downlink and 2 uplink layers direction
Modulation	256-QAM direction
Deployment direction	SA and NSA

OAI 5G Core vs Open5GS

The core-network choice is one of the clearest practical differences between the ecosystems.

srsRAN tutorials normally use Open5GS as the third-party 5G Core.

OAI provides its own separate 5G Core Network project.

Core Network	Best For	Main Advantage
Open5GS	First srsRAN labs, straightforward private-network learning, and broad community familiarity	Common practical pairing with srsRAN tutorials
OAI 5G Core	Researchers who want to study, modify, and deploy an OAI-based end-to-end architecture	Integrated OAI ecosystem direction with several deployment modes and advanced core-network features

OAI 5G Core direction includes:

5G Standalone core-network implementation
AMF
SMF
UPF
NRF
AUSF
UDM
UDR
NSSF
PCF
NWDAF
Network slicing
N2 handover direction
Multiple UPFs
QoS-enabled deployments
AI-enabled core direction
Docker-Compose deployment
Kubernetes and Helm deployment
Virtual-machine and bare-metal deployment

Choose Open5GS first if:

You want the shortest practical route into an srsRAN lab.
You are following official srsRAN tutorials.
You want a compact first private 5G SA setup.
You want to focus on the RAN before studying the core deeply.

Choose OAI Core if:

You want an OAI end-to-end architecture.
You are researching 5G Core behavior.
You want several deployment flavors.
You are studying slicing, QoS, multiple UPFs, NWDAF, or OAI-specific interoperability.
You want to modify the core network as part of the project.

Best Stack for a First USRP B210 5G Lab

Choose srsRAN Project first.

The official srsRAN documentation provides a clear path for running a 5G standalone network with:

Linux computer
srsRAN Project
USRP B210 connected over USB 3.0
Open5GS 5G Core
Compatible 5G SA commercial handset
Test SIM credentials
External clock source where required

SDRstore.eu offers the USRP B210 USB SDR with 2×2 MIMO, AD9361, UHD, and GNU Radio support.

Why B210 and srsRAN are a strong starting combination

Compact SDR hardware
USB 3.0 connectivity
70 MHz–6 GHz coverage
2×2 MIMO
Full-duplex operation
Mature UHD driver direction
Documented COTS UE setup
Documented Open5GS setup direction
Simpler than building an advanced rack-based system immediately

Read our dedicated guide: USRP B210 for srsRAN and OpenAirInterface: What Researchers Need to Know.

When Should You Use OpenAirInterface with USRP B210?

USRP B210 is also relevant for OAI research.

OAI works with common USRP platforms through UHD-based integration, including B200-series devices, B210, X310, N300-series devices, and X410 direction.

Use OAI with B210 when:

You want to learn OAI gNB deployment.
You want to experiment with OAI nrUE.
You want a low-cost path into OAI RAN development.
You want to compare OAI and srsRAN on similar hardware.
You want to test RFsimulator workflows before enabling real RF.
You are studying open-source protocol-stack behavior.

Move beyond B210 when:

You need wider bandwidth.
You need several independently configurable RF chains.
You need advanced O-RAN radio-unit integration.
You need more FPGA resources.
You are working on FR2.
You are building high-throughput or AI-enhanced research platforms.

Best Stack for PHY Research

Choose OpenAirInterface when deep physical-layer experimentation is the main goal.

OAI exposes a broad research environment for:

PHY simulators
RFsimulator
Real RF boards
gNB PHY development
nrUE PHY development
Channel coding
Transport-channel simulation
MIMO behavior
FR1 research
FR2 research
NTN research
AI-enhanced receiver projects
Dataset generation
O-RAN fronthaul integration

OAI PHY simulators can help test:

PBCH
PRACH
PUCCH
DLSCH
ULSCH
LDPC behavior
Polar-code behavior
SNR sensitivity
Channel-model behavior
Transport-channel performance

OAI is especially attractive when researchers need to change the cellular implementation itself rather than only deploy and configure a network.

Best Stack for COTS Handset Testing

Choose srsRAN first when the primary goal is connecting a commercial 5G SA handset with a clear tutorial path.

srsRAN documentation provides:

COTS UE tutorial
Tested handset resources
Open5GS integration
SIM-programming guidance
SUCI configuration direction
External-clock recommendations
USRP B210 workflow
X310 handover workflow

OAI also supports commercial UE testing, but the broader research scope can make the learning path feel more complex for a first private-network lab.

Goal	Recommended First Choice
Connect a commercial handset as quickly as practical	srsRAN Project with B210 and Open5GS
Compare a commercial handset with an open nrUE	Add OpenAirInterface
Research gNB and UE behavior together	OpenAirInterface
Run interoperability experiments	Use both

Does srsRAN Include a 5G UE?

srsRAN Project itself does not include a production-ready 5G UE application.

The srsRAN ecosystem includes a prototype 5G UE direction through srsUE from srsRAN 4G. Official documentation describes it as a proof-of-concept and initial-testing option rather than a deployment-ready 5G UE.

Current prototype srsUE limitations include:

15 kHz subcarrier spacing direction
FDD-band direction
5, 10, 15, or 20 MHz bandwidth direction
No handover support

Use a compatible commercial handset when you want a practical srsRAN private-network test.

Use OAI nrUE when the open software UE itself is part of the research objective.

Best Stack for an Open UE

Choose OpenAirInterface.

OAI maintains an nrUE implementation that researchers can compile, run, inspect, and modify.

An open nrUE is valuable when studying:

Initial access
Synchronization
Random access
PHY behavior
MAC behavior
RRC behavior
Measurements
Mobility
NTN changes
MIMO
FR2 behavior
Interoperability
Protocol debugging

Commercial handsets are useful for realistic testing, but they do not expose the internal software behavior that an open nrUE provides.

RF Simulation: OAI RFsimulator vs srsRAN Virtual Workflows

Workflow	OpenAirInterface	srsRAN Project
Software-only experiments before enabling RF	RFsimulator and PHY simulators	ZeroMQ, dummy-RU, RU-emulation, no-core, and test-mode workflows
Debug protocol changes	Strong option, especially when gNB and nrUE are both open	Strong option for CU-DU and RAN-focused testing
Meaningful real-time RF throughput measurement	Use actual RF hardware rather than relying only on RF simulation	Use actual RF hardware or suitable RU hardware
Repeatable software development	Strong option	Strong option

Start with simulation when:

You are learning the stack.
You are modifying source code.
You are testing configuration files.
You want to avoid accidental RF transmission.
You want reproducible debugging.
You do not yet own SDR hardware.

Move to real SDR hardware only after the software path works reliably.

Split 8 vs Split 7.2 Explained

The correct architecture depends on whether the laboratory connects directly to a USRP or uses an O-RAN radio unit.

Architecture	Typical RF Front End	Best For
Split 8	USRP B210, X310, or other compatible SDR directly connected to the host	Entry-level SDR labs, GNU Radio users, private-network learning, and compact research systems
Split 7.2	O-RAN radio unit connected over fronthaul	Open RAN architecture, RU interoperability, DPDK, timing, synchronization, switches, and scalable deployments

Start with Split 8 if:

You are new to open-source 5G.
You own a USRP B210.
You want a compact lab.
You want fewer infrastructure dependencies.
You want to focus on RAN software before learning O-RAN fronthaul.

Move to Split 7.2 if:

You want to study O-RAN architecture.
You need third-party O-RU interoperability.
You want DU and RU disaggregation.
You have a suitable real-time server.
You understand PTP and timing synchronization.
You have suitable switches, network cards, SFP+ modules, and cables.

Best Stack for O-RAN Split 7.2

srsRAN Project is an especially accessible starting point for a Split 7.2 lab because its official documentation provides a detailed RU guide.

The documented workflow covers:

CU-DU server
Open Fronthaul library
Split 7.2 radio unit
Fronthaul switch
SFP+ fiber connectivity
10 Gigabit network-interface direction
Real-time Linux direction
Open5GS Core
Commercial handset
PTP synchronization
Supported O-RU examples

OAI is also relevant to O-RAN 7.2 research and continues to develop O-RAN fronthaul, O-RU integration, FAPI, M-plane, E2, and advanced integration directions.

Your O-RAN Goal	Recommended Direction
Build a documented first Split 7.2 O-RU lab	srsRAN Project
Study O-RAN alongside deep OAI PHY changes	OpenAirInterface
Test interoperability across open stacks and commercial RUs	Use both

NearRT-RIC and xApp Research

srsRAN Project provides official documentation for using its E2 interface with third-party near-real-time RIC frameworks and xApps.

This is useful for:

RAN monitoring
KPM metrics
RAN-control experiments
xApp development
Policy experimentation
Closed-loop optimization
AI-assisted RAN research
O-RAN education

OAI also participates in O-RAN and FlexRIC-oriented research directions, making it valuable for laboratories studying end-to-end O-RAN interoperability and RAN intelligence.

USRP B210 vs X310 for OAI and srsRAN

SDR Hardware	Best Use	Recommended Stack Direction
USRP B210	First practical 5G SA lab, portable teaching setup, USB 3.0 workflow, 2×2 MIMO fundamentals	Start with srsRAN and Open5GS; add OAI for comparison and deeper experimentation
USRP X310	Independent RF chains, intra-gNB handover, wider bandwidth, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, modular daughterboards, FPGA research	Use with srsRAN handover workflows, advanced OAI projects, and long-term lab infrastructure
USRP X410	Multi-channel RFSoC research, wide bandwidth, AI-enhanced PHY, advanced OAI, 5G-to-6G investment	Compare OAI and advanced research architectures carefully

Read our detailed hardware comparison: USRP B210 vs X310: Which SDR Should a Research Lab Buy?.

USRP B210: Best First Purchase for Most SDR Labs

The USRP B210 is the strongest default recommendation for most laboratories starting OAI or srsRAN experiments.

USRP B210 key features

70 MHz–6 GHz continuous RF coverage
Analog Devices AD9361 RFIC
2 transmit channels
2 receive channels
Coherent 2×2 MIMO
Full-duplex operation
Up to 56 MHz real-time bandwidth
USB 3.0 connectivity
UHD compatibility
GNU Radio support
External timing-reference support

Choose B210 if:

You are starting with srsRAN.
You are starting with OAI.
You want a compact USRP.
You want to use a laptop or workstation over USB 3.0.
You want to connect a compatible commercial handset.
You are building a classroom lab.
You want to buy several radios for students.
You do not need independent RF-chain handover.

USRP X310: Best Upgrade for Advanced Labs

The USRP X310 becomes the better choice when the research program outgrows a compact USB SDR.

X310 advantages

Two RF daughterboard slots
DC–6 GHz direction with suitable daughterboards
Up to 160 MHz bandwidth per channel with suitable daughterboards
Larger Kintex-7 FPGA
Dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet
Dual 1 Gigabit Ethernet
PCIe options
Optional GPSDO direction
Rack-based testbed direction
Independent RF-chain workflows

Choose X310 if:

You are running srsRAN intra-gNB handover experiments.
You need independently configurable RF chains.
You need 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
You need wider bandwidth.
You need modular daughterboards.
You are building a permanent research rack.
You need larger FPGA resources.
You are moving into advanced OAI or srsRAN projects.

Lower-Cost SDR Alternatives

USRP hardware offers the safest documentation path, but lower-cost SDR boards can still be valuable for teaching, prototyping, GNU Radio, embedded research, and selected cellular experiments.

SDR	Best For	Important Note
LibreSDR B210 Mini or B220 Mini	Lower-cost 2R2T SDR experimentation and OAI-oriented learning	Validate chipset, firmware, UHD direction, and software compatibility carefully
MicroPhase ANTSDR U220	Budget-conscious USB 3.0 MIMO prototyping	Confirm exact AD9361 or AD9363 variant and software stack
MicroPhase ANTSDR E316	Embedded Ethernet-connected research	Useful for Zynq, MicroSD, GPS, and PPS-oriented projects
bladeRF 2.0 micro	GNU Radio, FPGA development, custom PHY, and portable 2×2 MIMO projects	Not a universal drop-in replacement for UHD-based tutorials
PLUTO+ SDR	Low-cost learning, Pluto-style workflows, Ethernet, and early prototyping	Not the safest first choice for a documented commercial-handset 5G lab

Which Stack Is Easier to Learn?

srsRAN Project is usually easier for the first practical 5G SA lab.

Why srsRAN often feels easier initially

Clear installation guide
Clear running guide
USRP B210 tutorial
Open5GS recommendation
COTS UE tutorial
Tested handset guidance
External-clock guidance
Configuration reference
Troubleshooting resources
Performance-tuning resources

OAI becomes especially valuable when the laboratory is ready to work deeper inside the cellular stack.

Why OAI has a steeper learning curve

Broader project scope
More research directions
Separate RAN and Core projects
Open nrUE
RFsimulator
PHY simulators
More low-level experimentation
More configuration paths
Advanced FR2 and NTN direction

A steeper learning curve is not a weakness when the objective is deep cellular research.

Which Stack Is Better for Universities?

University Goal	Recommended Stack
Teach students how a 5G SA lab works	srsRAN Project with Open5GS and USRP B210
Teach Open RAN architecture	srsRAN Project Split 7.2 direction
Study gNB, nrUE, and core behavior together	OpenAirInterface
Modify PHY algorithms	OpenAirInterface
Study RF simulation before purchasing hardware	OpenAirInterface RFsimulator and srsRAN virtual workflows
Research interoperability	Use both
Build a long-term research program	Start with srsRAN, add OAI, and standardize suitable USRP hardware

Which Stack Is Better for Cybersecurity Research?

Both stacks can be valuable in a controlled and authorized environment.

srsRAN is useful for:

Private-network deployment
Configuration testing
COTS handset attachment
RAN behavior monitoring
O-RAN RIC and xApp experiments
Handover testing
Network-isolation exercises

OAI is useful for:

Protocol-stack inspection
Open UE behavior
PHY-level research
RF simulation
Core-network modification
Interoperability testing
Controlled reproduction of edge cases

Use only test SIM cards, authorized frequencies, shielded environments, conducted RF paths, and systems you own or have explicit permission to test.

Which Stack Is Better for NTN Research?

Both ecosystems have NTN research direction, but they are not identical.

srsRAN Project documentation includes NTN GEO support direction and an NTN tutorial.

OAI has active NTN development covering simulation and gNB or UE behavior for satellite scenarios, including GEO and LEO-oriented work.

NTN Goal	Recommended Direction
Learn NTN concepts within an accessible RAN project	Explore srsRAN NTN documentation
Modify gNB and nrUE behavior for satellite scenarios	OpenAirInterface
Research GEO and LEO channel behavior deeply	OpenAirInterface RFsimulator and NTN direction
Compare implementation approaches	Use both

Recommended Upgrade Path for a New Laboratory

Start with software-only virtual experiments.
Install srsRAN Project and Open5GS.
Use USRP B210 for the first practical 5G SA lab.
Add a compatible commercial handset and programmable test SIM.
Add an external reference clock when connection stability requires it.
Install OpenAirInterface and test OAI RFsimulator.
Compare OAI gNB, OAI nrUE, and OAI Core workflows.
Move to USRP X310 when independent RF chains, handover, daughterboards, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or PCIe become necessary.
Move to Split 7.2 O-RU architecture when the project requires Open RAN fronthaul.
Compare X410 and higher-tier platforms when wideband, multi-channel, AI-enhanced PHY, or future-facing 6G research justifies the investment.

Legal and RF Safety Warning

Operating a private 5G network on cellular frequencies may be regulated or restricted in your country.

Use:

Authorized frequencies
Shielded RF enclosures
Conducted RF connections
Suitable attenuators
Dummy loads
Low transmit power
Test SIM cards
Known credentials
Regulator approval where required
Qualified RF-engineering practices

Do not transmit into licensed cellular bands without authorization.

Do not interfere with public mobile networks.

What Hardware Does a 5G SDR Lab Need?

Suitable Linux workstation
USRP B210 for entry-level Split 8 experiments
USRP X310 for independent RF chains and advanced labs
Suitable X310 daughterboards where required
Compatible 5G SA handset or test UE
Programmable test SIM
SIM-card reader and writer
External reference clock where required
GPSDO or OctoClock direction where required
RF cables
Fixed and variable attenuators
Dummy loads
DC blocks
Band-pass filters
Suitable antennas
Shielded enclosure where required
10 Gigabit Ethernet NIC for advanced X310 or RU workflows
SFP+ modules and cables for networked setups
Real-time Linux direction for demanding Split 7.2 setups
Spectrum analyzer
Vector network analyzer

Where to Browse SDR Hardware for OAI and srsRAN

Request a Quote for a University or Research Laboratory

Universities, telecom companies, research laboratories, integrators, cybersecurity firms, and purchasing departments can request a formal quotation directly from SDRstore.eu.

Use the Add to Quote button on product pages or the document icon on product cards to request:

Formal quotations
Bulk pricing
Several USRP B210 units
USRP X310 configurations
X310 daughterboards
Complete OAI or srsRAN laboratory configurations
Clocking equipment
RF cables
Attenuators
Antennas
Shielded test accessories
Test and measurement equipment
Invoice details for internal purchasing approval

Read our guide: Request a Quote Online: A Faster Way to Get Custom Pricing from SDRstore.eu.

Related SDRstore.eu Guides

Official Resources

Final Verdict: OpenAirInterface vs srsRAN

Choose srsRAN Project first when your laboratory wants the clearest route into a practical 5G standalone SDR network.

It is an excellent starting point for a USRP B210, Open5GS, compatible commercial handset, test SIM, and controlled RF setup. Its documentation also creates a clear upgrade path toward CU-DU splits, O-RAN Split 7.2 radio units, NearRT-RIC, xApps, Kubernetes, DPDK, handover, NTN, and performance tuning.

Choose OpenAirInterface when the research objective extends deeper into the cellular implementation.

OAI is especially valuable when you need an open gNB, an open nrUE, an OAI 5G Core, RFsimulator, PHY simulators, deep PHY modification, protocol debugging, FR2, NTN, advanced interoperability, or future-facing cellular research.

Do not treat the decision as permanent.

The strongest long-term laboratory often uses both.

Start with srsRAN when you want to bring up a practical B210-based 5G SA network efficiently.

Add OpenAirInterface when the team is ready to modify, simulate, compare, and study the cellular stack at a deeper level.

FAQ

Which is better: OpenAirInterface or srsRAN?

srsRAN is usually the better first choice for a practical 5G SA lab using USRP B210, Open5GS, and a compatible commercial handset. OpenAirInterface is stronger when researchers need an open gNB, open nrUE, OAI Core, RF simulation, deep PHY work, FR2, NTN, or broader end-to-end experimentation.

What is the difference between OpenAirInterface and srsRAN?

srsRAN Project is primarily an open-source 5G CU-DU RAN implementation. OpenAirInterface is a broader cellular research ecosystem with a 5G gNB, open nrUE, separate OAI 5G Core project, RF simulation, PHY simulators, and advanced research workflows.

Is srsRAN easier than OpenAirInterface?

srsRAN is often easier for a first practical 5G SA lab because its documentation provides a clear B210, Open5GS, commercial-handset, SIM, clocking, and troubleshooting path. OAI has a broader scope and can require more learning.

Is OpenAirInterface better for research?

OpenAirInterface is especially strong for deep cellular research because it exposes an open gNB, an open nrUE, RF simulation, PHY simulators, core-network options, FR1, FR2, NTN, and low-level protocol-stack experimentation.

Can srsRAN run with USRP B210?

Yes. USRP B210 is one of the strongest starting devices for srsRAN. Official documentation provides B210-based 5G SA workflows with Open5GS and compatible commercial handsets.

Can OpenAirInterface run with USRP B210?

Yes. OAI supports common USRP hardware through UHD-based integration, including USRP B210. It is a useful lower-cost platform for OAI gNB, nrUE, and RF experimentation.

Can OpenAirInterface and srsRAN use USRP X310?

Yes. X310 is useful when a lab needs modular daughterboards, independent RF chains, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe, wider bandwidth, and more FPGA resources.

Does srsRAN include a 5G Core?

srsRAN Project does not include an integrated 5G Core. Official tutorials commonly use Open5GS as the third-party core network.

Does OpenAirInterface include a 5G Core?

Yes. OAI maintains a separate 5G Standalone Core project with several network functions, deployment modes, UPF options, slicing, QoS, and cloud-native deployment paths.

Does srsRAN include a 5G UE?

srsRAN Project itself does not include a production-ready UE. Prototype 5G extensions are available through srsUE from srsRAN 4G for proof-of-concept and initial testing, but official documentation lists several limitations.

Does OpenAirInterface include a 5G UE?

Yes. OAI maintains an open nrUE implementation. This is valuable when researchers need to inspect, modify, simulate, and test UE-side cellular behavior.

Which stack is better for commercial smartphone testing?

srsRAN is usually the easier first choice because its official documentation provides a practical COTS UE workflow with Open5GS, USRP B210, SIM configuration, and external-clock guidance.

Which stack is better for PHY research?

OpenAirInterface is generally the stronger choice for deep PHY research because it provides PHY simulators, RFsimulator, real SDR support, gNB and nrUE code, FR2 direction, NTN work, and extensive low-level experimentation paths.

Which stack is better for O-RAN Split 7.2?

Both ecosystems are relevant. srsRAN is an especially accessible starting point because it provides detailed current documentation for O-RAN radio units, fronthaul switches, 10 Gigabit networking, PTP synchronization, DPDK, and Kubernetes deployment.

Which stack is better for NearRT-RIC and xApps?

srsRAN provides a documented E2 interface workflow with third-party NearRT-RIC frameworks and xApps. OAI is also relevant for broader O-RAN and FlexRIC-oriented research.

Should I start with Split 8 or Split 7.2?

Start with Split 8 using a USRP B210 when learning open-source 5G. Move to Split 7.2 when you are ready to study O-RAN radio units, fronthaul networking, synchronization, PTP, and disaggregated architecture.

What SDR should I buy for srsRAN?

Start with USRP B210 for a compact 5G SA lab. Choose USRP X310 when you need independent RF chains, handover, modular daughterboards, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe, or wider bandwidth.

What SDR should I buy for OpenAirInterface?

USRP B210 is a strong entry point. Move to X310, X410, or another suitable platform when you need wider bandwidth, more channels, O-RAN integration, FR2, larger FPGA resources, or advanced PHY research.

Can I learn OAI and srsRAN without SDR hardware?

Yes. Start with software-only experiments. OAI provides RFsimulator and PHY simulators. srsRAN provides virtual and emulated test workflows including ZeroMQ, dummy-RU, RU-emulation, no-core, and test-mode directions.

Can I use OpenAirInterface and srsRAN in the same lab?

Yes. Using both stacks is valuable for interoperability research, implementation comparison, education, protocol debugging, and long-term laboratory flexibility.

Is Open5GS the same as OpenAirInterface Core?

No. Open5GS is a separate open-source 5G Core commonly used in srsRAN tutorials. OAI Core is the separate 5G Core project maintained within the OpenAirInterface ecosystem.

Can I transmit a private 5G network legally?

Rules vary by country. Use authorized frequencies, shielded or conducted RF setups, attenuation, low power, test SIM cards, and regulator approval where required. Do not interfere with public cellular networks.

Which stack should a university choose?

Start with srsRAN, Open5GS, and USRP B210 for practical teaching labs. Add OpenAirInterface when students and researchers need open nrUE, PHY simulation, deeper protocol-stack work, interoperability testing, FR2, or NTN research.

How can a laboratory request a formal quotation?

Add products to a quote request directly from SDRstore.eu product pages using the Add to Quote button or from product cards using the document icon. This is useful for universities, telecom teams, research labs, and purchasing departments.

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