AMARI Callbox Mini

Overview

The AMARI Callbox serves as the optimal solution for testing both 4G and 5G devices, functioning as a 3GPP compliant eNB/gNB and EPC/5GC to facilitate functional and performance testing. Powered by a carrier-grade software suite, the AMARI Callbox Mini, the smallest among the AMARI Callboxes, is specifically designed for IoT applications.

This compact callbox offers a single cell with a configuration of up to 20MHz 2x2, catering to the connectivity needs of NB-IOT, LTE-M, LTE, RedCap, and 5G SA devices. It's important to note that the Mini does not support NSA mode, as this would require two cells. For higher configurations, options are available using AMARI Callbox Classic, Advanced, Ultimate, and Extreme.

Capabilities

5G

The callbox can act as a 5G standalone mode (SA) network. 5G Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) and 5G Reduced Capacity (RedCap) are also supported.

LTE

Even if it is designed for 5G, this callbox provides with the best of Amarisoft LTE technology.

LTE-M

The callbox supports LTE-M in both FDD and TDD to connect CAT-M1 devices.

NB-IOT

The callbox supports standalone, in-band and guard-band NB-IOT to connect NB1 and NB2 devices. It also supports Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) NB-IOT.

Up to 500 UEs

Powered by a macro base station software, depending on the callbox model and configuration, it can handle up to 500 concurrent active UEs.

200 Mbps - 75 Mbps

Depending on the callbox configuration and the UE capabilities, the callbox can deliver up 200 Mbps in downlink and 75 Mbps in uplink.

Handover

Inter eNB/gNB handover is supported using two callboxes.

VoLTE VoNR VoWiFi

The embedded IMS Server allows VoLTE, VioLTE, VoNR, VioNR, SMS and emergency call testing. The embedded N3IWF allows VoWiFi by connecting an external WiFi access point.

Highlighted features

Logging and Measurements

Selective logging and display of all layers of 3GPP LTE and NR stacks as well as useful graphs and analytic tools. Log example

Automatic Test Setup and Scripting

Extensive WebSocket API allowing to send remote commands to eNodeB, ng-eNodeB, gNodeB, EPC and 5GC to ease test automation. Tutorial

Easy Configuration

Easy configuration thanks to JSON files with example configurations already included in each software release for eNodeB, ng-eNodeB, gNodeB, EPC and 5GC.

End to End Data Testing

Running on top of standard Linux in user space mode allowing easy integration with IP services.

Channel Simulation

Simulation of different DL channel types as per 3GPP models specified in 36.101 and 38.141 specifications. Tutorial

Feature testing

Test features to override the nominal protocol behavior in order to simulate error cases.

High Performance

Highly optimized software supporting multiple UEs and cells and high data rates in LTE and NR.

3GPP Features

Early access to 3GPP features for rapid validation of features under development.

Frequency Agnostic

Support of a wide range of FDD and TDD frequency bands even nonstandard ones allowing to test in Sub-6GHz and mmWave. mmWave available on the AMARI Callbox Advanced, Ultimate and Extreme as an option. Tutorial

Possible RAN Configurations

RAN Configuration constraints

The AMARI Callbox Mini is capable of operating only one cell at a time (NB-IoT, LTE, LTE-M or 5G FR1). The product of cell bandwidth multiplied by the number of MIMO layers shall not exceed 40MHz.

RAN Configuration examples

4G LTE	1 cell 20 MHz 2x2
5G NR SA Mode	1 cell 20 MHz 2x2 or 40 MHz SISO
NB-IOT	1 NB-IoT cell in standalone, in-band or guard-band mode
LTE-M	1 LTE cell with CAT M1 support

Hardware components

Callbox and accesories

Callbox Specification
Dimensions H × W × D	7.8 cm × 20 cm × 25 cm
Weight	2 kg
# AMARI PCIe SDR 2x2 Cards	1
Power supply voltage	100 - 240V AC
CPU	Intel i3

Accesories
	4 antennas are included and connect to callbox SDRs throught standard SMA port for over the air testing.		5 programmable SIM Cards are included and already registred in the Callbox core user database.

AMARI PCIe SDR 2x2 Card technical specification
Dimensions H × W × D	2 cm × 11.5 cm × 12.8 cm
Weight	0.1 kg
Frequency range	500 MHz to 6.0 GHz
RF bandwidth	200 KHz to 56 MHz
Power supply voltage	12 V DC input
Operation mode	FDD and TDD
MIMO	2x2
ADC/DAC sample rate	61.44 MS/s
ADC/DAC resolution	12 bits
Frequency accuracy	2 ppm
PCIe minimum requirements	1x / Gen 2
LTE 20MHz 64QAM EVM	<4% RMS (f<3.5 GHz) <2% RMS (f<2.6 GHz)
Synchronization	Internal clock , PPS signal, GPS , Reference external clock (LVDS)

AMARI PCIe SDR 2x2 Card technical specification

Dimensions H × W × D

2 cm × 11.5 cm × 12.8 cm

Weight

0.1 kg

Frequency range

500 MHz to 6.0 GHz

RF bandwidth

200 KHz to 56 MHz

Power supply voltage

12 V DC input

Operation mode

FDD and TDD

MIMO

2x2

ADC/DAC sample rate

61.44 MS/s

ADC/DAC resolution

12 bits

Frequency accuracy

2 ppm

PCIe minimum requirements

1x / Gen 2

LTE 20MHz 64QAM EVM

<4% RMS (f<3.5 GHz)
<2% RMS (f<2.6 GHz)

Synchronization

Internal clock , PPS signal, GPS , Reference external clock (LVDS)

Software components

vRAN eNodeB gNodeB

A release 17 full software eNodeB gNodeB including layer3, layer 2, layer1 and physical layer. It also includes a channel simulator. It connects to a split 8 or split 7.2 radio front end through an open API via a driver. It supports a standard S1/NG interface to connect a 4G or 5G core network. The eNodeB gNodeB is configurable through hundreds of parameters in a text file in JSON format. It has a WebSocket API for automation, and a command line interface. Detailed spec

Technical doc