Introduction

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Overview

SrsUE is a 4G LTE UE modem implemented entirely in software. Running as an application on a standard Linux-based operating system, srsUE connects to any LTE network and provides a standard network interface with high-speed mobile connectivity. To transmit and receive radio signals over the air, srsUE requires SDR hardware such as the Ettus Research USRP.

To provide a complete end-to-end LTE network, use srsUE with srsENB and srsEPC.

This User Guide provides all the information needed to get up and running with the srsUE application, to become familiar with all of the key features and to achieve optimal performance. For information on extending or modifying the srsUE source code, please see the srsUE Developers Guide.

Features

The SRS UE includes the following features:

  • LTE Release 10 aligned with features up to release 15

  • Prototype 5G NSA and SA support

  • TDD and FDD configurations

  • Tested LTE bandwidths: 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz

  • Tested 5G SA bandwidths: 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz

  • Transmission modes 1 (single antenna), 2 (transmit diversity), 3 (CCD) and 4 (closed-loop spatial multiplexing)

  • Manually configurable DL/UL carrier frequencies

  • Soft USIM supporting XOR/Milenage authentication

  • Hard USIM support via PC/SC

  • Snow3G and AES integrity/ciphering support

  • TUN virtual network kernel interface integration for Linux OS

  • Detailed log system with per-layer log levels and hex dumps

  • MAC and NAS layer wireshark packet captures

  • Command-line trace metrics

  • Detailed input configuration files

  • Evolved multimedia broadcast and multicast service (eMBMS)

  • Frequency-based ZF and MMSE equalizers

  • Highly optimized Turbo Decoder available in Intel SSE4.1/AVX2 (+150 Mbps)

  • Channel simulator for EPA, EVA, and ETU 3GPP channels

  • QoS support

  • 150 Mbps DL in 20 MHz MIMO TM3/TM4 or 2xCA configuration (195 Mbps with QAM256)

  • 75 Mbps DL in 20 MHz SISO configuration (98 Mbps with QAM256)

  • 36 Mbps DL in 10 MHz SISO configuration

  • Supports Ettus USRP B2x0/X3x0 families, BladeRF, LimeSDR

UE architecture

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Basic UE Architecture

The srsUE application includes layers 1, 2 and 3 as shown in the figure above.

At the bottom of the UE protocol stack, the Physical (PHY) layer carries all information from the MAC over the air interface. It is responsible for link adaptation, power control, cell search and cell measurement.

The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer multiplexes data between one or more logical channels into Transport Blocks (TBs) which are passed to/from the PHY layer. The MAC is responsible for control and scheduling information exchange with the eNodeB, retransmission and error correction (HARQ) and priority handling between logical channels.

The Radio Link Control (RLC) layer can operate in one of three modes: Transparent Mode (TM), Unacknowledged Mode (UM) and Acknowledged Mode (AM). The RLC manages multiple logical channels or bearers, each of which operates in one of these three modes. Transparent Mode bearers simply pass data through the RLC. Unacknowledged Mode bearers perform concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of data units, reordering and duplication detection. Acknowledged Mode bearers additionally perform retransmission of missing data units and resegmentation.

The Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer is responsible for ciphering of control and data plane traffic, integrity protection of control plane traffic, duplicate discarding and in-sequence delivery of control and data plane traffic to/from the RRC and GW layers respectively. The PDCP layer also performs header compression (ROHC) of IP data if supported.

The Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer manages control plane exchanges between the UE and the eNodeB. It uses System Information broadcast by the network to configure the lower layers of the UE and handles the establishment, maintenance and release of the RRC connection with the eNodeB. The RRC manages cell search to support cell selection as well as cell measurement reporting and mobility control for handover between neighbouring cells. The RRC is also responsible for handling and responding to paging messages from the network. Finally, the RRC manages security functions for key management and the establishment, configuration, maintenance and release of radio bearers.

The Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer manages control plane exchanges between the UE and entities within the core network (EPC). It controls PLMN selection and manages network attachment procedures, exchanging identification and authentication information with the EPC. The NAS is responsible for establishing and maintaining IP connectivity between the UE and the PDN gateway within the EPC.

The Gateway (GW) layer within srsUE is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the TUN virtual network kernel interface, simulating a network layer device within the Linux operating system. The GW layer permits srsUE to run as a user-space application and operates with data plane IP packets.