Before diving deep into the world of SDR for hacking, it’s essential to explore the hardware options available. You’ll definitely need a computer with a USB port, but the real magic lies in choosing the right radio receiver or transceiver. Let’s break down the specs, strengths, and limitations of the most commonly used SDR hardware.
USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral)
USRP is a popular open-source platform, making it a go-to for developers. It offers a range of models with different interfaces and sizes to fit various needs. The USRP X series utilizes a 10G Ethernet interface, the N series uses 1G Ethernet, the B series runs on USB 2.0 or 3.0, and the E series includes a built-in ARM processor, meaning it doesn’t require a host computer.
The USRP B200mini, part of the B series, stands out due to its compact size (about the size of a business card) and support for USB 3.0, making it a favorite for developers who prioritize portability and high data transfer rates.
RTL-SDR
For hobbyists and beginners, RTL-SDR is a highly popular choice. It’s affordable (usually under $40), yet incredibly capable. Initially designed as a DVB-T dongle for watching TV on computers, this device is based on the RTL2832U chip. It’s supported by numerous SDR software applications, thanks to the librtlsdr library.
The RTL-SDR excels at signal analysis, especially when paired with HDSDR software. Its biggest advantage is its low cost, though a downside is that it can only receive signals, which limits its use for more advanced activities like signal transmission or replay attacks.
HackRF
HackRF is another excellent choice for beginners but with a major upgrade: it can both receive and transmit signals. This makes it suitable for projects requiring transmission, such as replay attacks.
Completely open-source, HackRF provides access to its schematic, PCB layout, driver code, and firmware. It supports a broad frequency range from 1 MHz to 6 GHz but only operates in half-duplex mode, meaning it can either transmit or receive, but not both simultaneously—a drawback for more demanding use cases.
BladeRF
If you need high performance, BladeRF is a standout option. Unlike HackRF, BladeRF is full-duplex, allowing it to send and receive signals simultaneously, making it ideal for complex applications like OpenBTS (an open-source cellular base station).
However, its frequency range is slightly more limited compared to HackRF, with a cap at 3.8 GHz. If full-duplex functionality is crucial to your project, BladeRF is worth the investment.
LimeSDR
LimeSDR is an open-source, app-enabled SDR platform that supports a wide variety of communication protocols, including UMTS, LTE, GSM, LoRa, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, and more. One of LimeSDR’s greatest strengths is its accessibility through apps, which means even beginners can get started easily.
LimeSDR integrates with the Snappy Ubuntu core, making it as easy as downloading an app to get up and running. It's being used by the UK's largest mobile operator, EE, for training and development in educational institutions. Some of the available apps allow for:
Radio astronomy
RADAR systems
2G to 4G cellular base stations
IoT gateways
HAM radio operations
Drone control
Test and measurement systems
Hardware Comparison
Each of these platforms comes with different price points and performance levels, catering to a variety of needs for hackers interested in SDR.
Conclusion
For those just starting out or on a tight budget, RTL-SDR is an excellent entry point. If your project requires signal transmission, HackRF One offers solid functionality at a reasonable price. For higher performance and full-duplex capabilities, consider investing in BladeRF or LimeSDR. Finally, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, app-driven system, LimeSDR is a great choice for accessibility and versatility.
Author: David Freire - Sales Representative and Editor at Black Hat
Editor: Jordan Rodgers - Lead Technologist at Black Hat
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