Analyzing OpenBTS Performance as a viable network solution for IoT devices

Abstract

The GSM technology has been essential for extending mobile communication networks and continues to be widely deployed in areas with lower population density. At the same time, the development of IoT worldwide is extending to rural areas to improve agricultural processes and increase productivity. However, many rural communities need more connectivity due to the restrictive business models of telecommunications service operators. In this regard, GSM technology, and specifically technologies like OPENBTS, presents a viable alternative to providing network support. Successful cases like Rhizomática in Mexico and OpenBTS systems in Zambia have shown that it is possible to implement communication solutions that benefit communities. This article shows the potential of taking advantage of existing technological infrastructures to promote the development of IoT solutions employing systems such as OpenBTS, even with data transmission rate limitations. An evaluation of the performance of the OpenBTS system was included in a GPRS link, considering the level of throughput and latency, as well as latency analysis for QoS levels 0, 1, and 2 in MQTT. The results obtained a latency between 0.4s and 0.75s using an FTP client-server scheme and between 0.05s and 0.15s using a client-server model with MQTT with different levels of quality of service. As for throughput, a maximum value of 15616.17 b/s was obtained in the downlink and 10853.58 b/s in the uplink.