5G srsRAN End-to-End Reference Architecture with USRP
From Ettus Knowledge Base
Contents
Application Note Number and Authors
AN-599
Authors
Bharat Agarwal and Neel Pandeya
Executive Summary
This Application Note presents a comprehensive reference design for deploying 5G NR Standalone (SA) systems using a hybrid open-source software stack: the srsRAN radio access network components and the OpenAirInterface (OAI) Core Network. This setup runs on NI/Ettus USRP radios, including the B210, enabling practical, low-cost, end-to-end 5G experimentation.
This configuration supports full 5G SA mode and enables complete end-to-end evaluation of the entire protocol stack, from the physical layer up to the core network.
Core Network Deployment Options
The OAI Core Network can be deployed in two modes:
- Single-machine deployment: CN and gNB run on the same machine — ideal for compact or portable test setups.
- Multi-machine deployment: CN is hosted on a separate machine — ideal for performance scaling or distributed 5G architecture evaluation.
UE Configuration Options
This reference architecture supports the following UE configurations:
- A software-defined UE implemented using srsUE with a USRP B210.
- A modem-based UE, such as Quectel or Sierra Wireless modules.
- A COTS 5G handset (e.g., Google Pixel 9) for interoperability and benchmarking.
