Reconfigurable cellular GSM network using USRP B200 and OpenBTS for disaster-hit regions

In this paper, we have presented a cost effective technique for quick reinstatement of wireless connectivity in disaster hit areas, which face complete breakdown of prevailing infrastructure. A test reconfigurable GSM Base Transceiver System (BTS) based on Software Defined Radio (SDR) is build using Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) B200 board and OpenBTS. USRP B200 overcomes the necessity of an external 10 MHz reference signal as conflicting to widely used N-series and USRP1. After establishing cellular GSM network, short message services and voice calling are executed. Besides OpenBTS, standalone typical applications-SMQueue and Asterisk are also used for correct routing of messages. It also outspreads the connectivity to practically every individual in the disaster hit areas having a GSM handset at no further cost. This low-cost and economical deployment will encourage the government to appliance such models in areas hit by major cataclysm.