Plataforma de testes para simulação de rede 4G e chamada VoLTE utilizando rádio definido por software

Abstract

It was presented and tested in this research work a system for simulating a 4G LTE network with focus on high-definition VoLTE calls, especially regarding the configuration of the service provider network. For this, smartphones which support IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technology and can make VoLTE calls are used, as previously validated with SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards through tests on a real network. The tested system relies on the use of some open-source projects, such as the Kamailio server for real-time communication and signaling of messages using the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) protocol of the IMS network; and Open5GS, a C language software implementation of a fourth generation Evolved Packet Core (4G EPC), which together with a Base Transceiver Station (USRP + software srsRAN), allows the configuration of a private LTE network. The hardware used consists of programmable SIM cards; a software-defined radio device called USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) model B210, equipment for relative low-cost experimentation, whose objective is to generate the network cell, with coverage on frequency bands from 70 MHz – 6 GHz; and finally, a Linux Ubuntu machine for installation and execution of used projects and open source software. Connection tests to a private LTE network and VoLTE calls between two smartphones were carried out. The viability of the system tested in this work is confirmed by the successful tests, the relative low cost when compared to telecommunications equipment used by network operators, as well as the availability of an experimental environment for teaching and research within universities.