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diff --git a/2009/gsm_protocol_foss-bossa2009/abstract.txt b/2009/gsm_protocol_foss-bossa2009/abstract.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..12fd9ed --- /dev/null +++ b/2009/gsm_protocol_foss-bossa2009/abstract.txt @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ +Free Software for the GSM protocol side + +As we see an increased use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in mobile +devices, some of them with GSM or UMTS cellular network connection, this FOSS +adoption exclusively happens on the "Application Processor" side. To the +contrary, the GSM protocol stack on the 'digital baseband' CPU is typically +treated like if it was the biggest invention since sliced bread, and a most +valuable and proprietary one. + +In fact, the entire GSM and UMTS protocol are specified in public documents, +available free of cost to anyone from the ETSI (European Telecommunications +Standardization Institute) or the 3GPP. + +So there is no lacking information preventing any FOSS implementation of +those protocols. It is merely the fact how the cellular industry is currently +structured. It's an oligopol, with very few players in the market, and +artificial entry barriers for anyone who would want to compete with any part +of the stack. + +In 2007, the THC GSM project developed tools called gsm-tvoid, gssm and gsmsp +as first humble attempts of an Open Source implementation of a GSM protocol +analyzer, based on the USRP and gnuradio software defined radio (SDR) platform. + +In 2008, two independent Free Software projects for the GSM network side have +been release: OpenBTS and OpenBSC. + +In 2009, Harald has been starting to work on the detailed hardware and software +architecture of an open source GSM development board, capable of running both +the MS (cellphone) and BTS (cell tower) side. + +This presentation will give an overview about the existing FOSS efforts on the GSM +protocol side, their current status and future directions. |