Legba LabKit – A Mobile Network on Your Bench

The Legba LTE/GSM LabKit is mobile network on your bench, a software-defined radio unit than can operate as a LTE eNodeB or as a GSM/GPRS BSS (BTS+BSC), depending on the configuration. It can operate in any of the four major GSM bands (850/900/1800/1900) or in any standalone LTE band up to 2.6 GHz. The LabKit’s software-only band selection is very different from a conventional eNodeB, allowing the LabKit to work with almost any LTE device and emulate networks from all over the world.

The Lab Kit is intended for operator test labs, security labs, university labs, training centers, and embedded application developers.

Typical use cases include:

  • testing roaming interconnections and routing
  • testing handset compatibility with apps and network features
  • functional testing of handsets and IoT systems
  • security testing with threat reproduction
  • protocol traces of handset and application behavior
  • hands-on training and demonstrations of mobile network procedures, including
    • mobility procedures (requires 2 units)
    • handover (GSM only, requires 2 units)
    • CSFB (requires 2 units)

The LabKit provides total visibility into the behavior of the connected LTE or GSM devices, including transfer statistics, power levels, signal quality, and Wireshark traces at the MAC level. The full data sheet is available here.

The LabKit ships with a power supply, antennas, two Android handsets, and a set of ten SIMs. Additional SIMs are available on request.

LTE eNodeB Mode

In LTE mode, the Lab Kit is an eNodeB. Just that simple – an eNodeB on your bench.

Specification summary:

  • All standard bandwidths supported, 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz.
  • SISO 1×1 operation, up to 18 mW output.
  • Management through web interface, telnet, or configuration file.
  • Standard S1 interface (S1-C with S1AP and S1-U with GTP-U) on IPv4 or IPv6.
  • Supports simultaneous connection to multiple MMEs and multiple PLMNs.

The LTE eNodeB function has been tested with EPCs from several vendors. We also offer our own EPC options:

  • Cloud EPC. This is a subscription service using an EPC hosted and managed by Legba. It is the simplest and fastest way to get started.
  • Standalone EPC. This is a separate EPC appliance that sits in the same LAN with your LabKit. This choice allows you to completely control the network configuration, including PLMN, and keeps your signaling local to your network.

GSM/GPRS BTS Mode

In GSM mode, the Lab Kit is a self-contained GSM BSC + BTS and can operate in and of the four standard GSM bands (850/900/1800/1900). The LabKit GSM function supports GSM and GPRS with the following specifications:

  • GSM circuit-switched services are carried out in SIP using the same rules as OpenBTS. Please see the table below.
  • Multiple-TRX configuration in software. Maximum output 18 dBm for 1 TRX, 12 dBm for 2 TRX, 6 dBm for 4 TRX.
  • Call capacity up to 7 full rate calls per TRX.
  • GSM-FR codec.
  • GPRS modes CS1 and CS4.
  • Management through web interface, telnet, or configuration file.
GSM Operation SIP Method
Location Update REGISTER
Call Setup INVITE
SMS transfer MESSAGE (PDU or R-PDU formats)
DTMF keypress INFO

Corresponding GSM and SIP procedures in YateBTS and OpenBTS.

In GSM mode, the LabKit supports these interfaces:

  • SIP/RTP for circuit-switched services
  • Gi and SGi interfaces for GPRS

Multi-Unit Networks

Multiple LabKits can be used to reproduce mobility procedures like cell reselection, handover, and CSFB.

Price

In single units, the LabKit is $8035, with discounts for volume orders and bundles with other products. This price includes UPS shipping to anywhere in world (subject to US and EU export laws). This price also includes six months of support.

If you are a distributor interested in our reseller program, please contact us.

Accessories

LabKit customers sometimes find these accessories useful:

  • Rooted Android handset. The normal LabKit includes two standard Android handsets, but some developers may prefer a “rooted” device.
  • Cable set for direct connections to modem devices. This is a set of cables, splitters, and attenuators for connecting a LabKit directly to the antenna ports on a modem module, hotspot, or other device with an external antenna connector.
  • Extra SIMs.

For More Information

For more information, please use the contact for below, the chat feature on this page, or send email to sales@leg.ba. We usually respond within one working day.