Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] GSM Handset Emulation

[John Gilmore]

> Now that there is a functional basestation available for GSM, I was
> wondering if anyone is trying to build software for a GSM handset.  This
> way, I could use my laptop (e.g. in a manner similar to skype) to talk with
> folks when I don't have a GSM phone handy.

It wouldn't be very convenient, since you'd have to have a USRP, plus
antennas, dangling off your laptop.

GSM "handset" software could probably use a lot of the existing low
and medium level GSM basestation code.  Having free implementations of
both sides of the interface would make debugging easier, too.  But
there'd still be a lot of work involved.  You'll need a SIM card and
some way to read it, too.  Sounds like a fun grad-student project to
me.

You could skip a lot of hassle with codecs and audio I/O and such
by first making something that would offer data service (e.g. SMS text
messages, or Internet access) by talking to a GSM basestation.

        John