Getting Started with OpenBTS

Chapter 6. OpenRegistration

OpenRegistration is an OpenBTS-specific feature that provides a WiFi captive portal-like implementation for mobile networks. Captive portals are familiar to anyone who has used an airport or hotel’s public WiFi connection. Your device can connect to the WiFi network but is denied access to certain features until you answer a question, watch an advertisement, enter a pin, etc. The device is used to provision itself.

Similarly, OpenRegistration allows a handset to join a mobile network with initially restricted access. It may be able to dial out but the handset does not have an assigned number and as such cannot be called by other participants in the network. However, it can be used to provision its own number via SMS.

This type of network is very useful in any ad hoc installation where the users are temporary and fluid or the network itself is only temporarily needed: emergency response, remote work areas, tourist destinations, large festivals, etc. Because an administrator is not needed to create accounts and assign numbers, OpenRegistration networks are easier to deploy and still very useful for the users.

Enabling

To get started with an OpenRegistration network, the feature itself must be enabled. First, take a look at the keys:

OpenBTS> config OpenRegistration Control.LUR.OpenRegistration (disabled) [default] Control.LUR.OpenRegistration.Message Welcome to the test network. Your IMSI is [default] Control.LUR.OpenRegistration.Reject (disabled) [default] ...