Development and configuration of a physical model of the LTE system based on the use of SDR technology

Abstract

Development of a hardware and software stand based on the LimeSDR radio platform for the study of mobile communication systems, in particular LTE, is being considered, as well as the possibility of using it to work with other systems, such as 5G, radio monitoring, satellite communications and television. At the same time, most of the work of the SDR radio platform performed on a personal computer, which provides the necessary software configuration of the radio system. The stand was created based on the Department’s and external experience in using SDR technology when developing physical models of base stations for next-generation mobile communication networks, digital terrestrial and satellite television. For educational purposes, the stand can be utilized both autonomously and remotely using, for example, a departmental server. Given the Russian military aggression, which seriously affected Ukrainian education, creating threats to the life and health of participants in the educational process and causing the destruction of educational infrastructure, the possibility of creating remote laboratories became a response to these challenges, allowing continuing training under conditions of restrictions. It is shown that for educational and research purposes in the field of telecommunications, the use of the LimeSDR platform is promising due to its high technical characteristics, support for MIMO technology and relatively low price. The flexibility of such a platform allows you to simulate various scenarios of mobile network operation. This opens up wide opportunities in laboratory conditions or remotely to study and test new technologies and algorithms, which makes such a stand a useful tool in educational institutions and research institutions. A step-by-step instruction has been developed for creating a physical model of an LTE BS based on LimeSDR and a computer with the Ubuntu OS. A step-by-step instruction is provided for installing the necessary software, configuring it, and using it in practice. Further research may include expanding the platform's functionality through the implementation of MIMO, expanding the operating frequency range, and supporting new 5G and 6G standards.