As a user-end LTE interface, NITlab selected to acquire 8 Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC7700 modules. Apart from being LTE compatible they also support HSPA+ and EV-DO networks. These modules feature a Standard Mini PCI-e bus, and therefore can be installed on the NITOS's ICARUS Nodes. They also support a USB 2.0 interface. In order to be able to use the Sierra Wireless MC7700 the Linux drivers/kernels have to be downloaded. These drivers/kernels are distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License and contain source code files that can be modified according to the user’s needs. Afterwards the drivers have to be compiled an installed on the modules.

To be able to connect to an LTE network the MC7700 requires a valid SIM card with an active account and the Access Point Name as provided by the Service provider. Therefore NITlab also acquired Mini PCI-e to USB adapters with SIM slots, illustrated in the following figures.

   

 

Samsung Galaxy S3

In addition to the aforementioned LTE interface, NITlab acquired 5 LTE-enabled mobile phones, in order to support uncontrolled mobility.