Lime Microsystems
Software Defined Radio
Laptops & PCs
Cellular

LimeNET

A software-enabled network-in-a-box based on LimeSDR

$228,466 raised

of $50,000 goal

456% Funded!
Not Available
Jul 13 2017
funded on

Recent Updates

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Key Sponsors

Vodafone, a key global operator, is backing LimeNET and supporting us to take our software defined radio technology mainstream with operator deployments. Read the full update here.


Our mission is to democratise wireless innovation. Last year, we launched the LimeSDR campaign as the first step towards this goal. Now, we are launching LimeNET, a new campaign that offers the community a line of pre-qualified hardware with integrated LimeSDR technology. There are three main LimeNET hardware stacks: Mini, Enterprise, and Base Station - all of them are pre-qualified to work with the recently announced Ubuntu App Stores, so you can easily find, share, and publish apps specifically written with LimeSDR technology in mind.

What’s New?

If you’ve been following the LimeSDR project, here’s a summary of what’s new in LimeNET:

Read on for details!

Open Radio Stack

LimeNET extends LimeSDR’s open source software-defined radio ecosystem by offering an array of standard LimeSDR-based hardware configurations on which you can run Ubuntu Core to find, share, publish, and deploy pre-packaged applications ("snaps"). The idea is to replace specialized, closed equipment, software, and knowledge with open source software and commodity hardware. LimeNET is an open alternative to the incumbent, closed wireless model.

LimeNET Open Model Incumbent Closed Model
ChipsetReadily available and open source software Closed and proprietary with vendor lock-in
Radio HardwareReadily available and open source Closed and highly specialised
Baseband & DigitalGeneral-purpose motherboards Proprietary ASICs
SoftwareApp-based with worldwide developer network Closed and expensive with vendor lock-in
Deployment & MaintenanceUses general IT skillset and commodity hardware Highly specialised and requires OEM support

What is LimeNET For?

LimeNET is the next step in the evolution of software defined radio. What you actually use it for is completely up to your imagination (and the imagination of thousands of other developers). Broadly speaking, LimeNET is a great option for any application that is a convergence of wireless technologies, such as:

For example, at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017, there was a demonstration of a complete 4G network running on a commodity laptop connected to a software-defined radio dongle (a LimeSDR!) streaming HD video to standard, off-the-shelf smart phones. Several aspects of this demo were unique:

This is just one example. There are plenty of others involving HAM, radio astronomy, AM/FM, GNSS, and more.

Hardware Offerings

In this campaign, we’re offering the LimeNET Mini, LimeNET Enterprise, LimeNET Base Station, and many of their constituent components.

LimeNET Mini

Complete with an integrated LimeSDR USB micro Type-B with added shielding, this mini PC will get you up and running with the LimeNET app store in no time.

LimeNET Mini

The LimeNET Mini available both with and without the LimeSDR USB micro Type-B board and associated cabling and antennas pre-installed - complete and bare versions, respectively. You can use an external LimeSDR USB board with a bare version simply be using one of the LimeNET Mini’s external USB ports. However, internally integrating your own LimeSDR within the LimeNET Mini is not supported, as it requires careful soldering to add the RF shielding necessary to protect the integrity of the RF signals from noise from the mini PC. In fact, the bare version’s enclosure doesn’t even include room for an integrated LimeSDR.

Special Offer for LimeSDR Backers

As a token of appreciation to our early LimeSDR backers, we’re making available for a limited time the bare (i.e., without integrated LimeSDR) version of the LimeNET Mini computer at a $400 discount off its standard campaign price. This offer is only available to backers of the LimeSDR USB boards (Type-A, micro Type-B, Aluminum Kit, and respective early birds) who ordered before the launch of the LimeNET campaign (before May 23, 2017). You can take advantage of this discount by entering your original LimeSDR order number in the comments field of your order for a LimeNET Mini. This discount is available until July 13, 2017. Thank you for your early support!

LimeNET Mini ports layout

LeftRight
1. USB 3.01. Risecard connector
2. LAN2. USB 3.1 Type-C
3. Mini DisplayPort
4. HDMI 2.0
5. DC input
6. SATA cable connector
7. Microphone/headset
8. USB 3.1 Type-A
9. 30-pin debug connector
10. Power connector

LimeNET Enterprise

This high-performance PC comes with an external LimeSDR with Aluminum Kit.

* The reduced-price version of LimeNET Enterprise without the LimeSDR with Aluminum Kit is available only to backers of the LimeSDR with Aluminum Kit who placed their order during the original LimeSDR campaign and pre-order period (April 28, 2016 - May 18, 2017). This special pricing is our way for thanking them for their early support and it is one small way we can try to make up for the late delivery of their units.

LimeNET Enterprise mainboard

1. 2 x USB 2.013. M.2 2242/2260 M key slot
2. 2 x USB 3.014. battery connector
3. SD card reader slot15. clear CMOS & power button
4. power button16. 4 x USB 2.0
5. HDD LED17. Ethernet port
6. power LED18. DisplayPort
7. headphone19. HDMI port
8. microphone input20. DC power input
9. SATA cable connector21. Intel H1 10 chipset
10. DDR4 SO-DIMM slots22. LGA1151 package CPU socket
11. M.2 2230 A,E key slot23. fan connector
12. debug connector24. AC back auto power

LimeNET Base Station

The LimeNET Base Station is a limited-edition, highly discounted combination of the LimeNET Core and LimeNET Amplifier Chassis detailed below. This is everything you need to set up your own cellular network, all in one compact package and with a savings of over $7,000.

LimeNET Core

A top-of-the-line gaming PC outfitted with a newly developed LimeSDR QPCIe board, the LimeNET Core is a software defined radio powerhouse.

LimeNET Core

The following image shows the current internal components of the LimeNET Core. The exact make and model of the RAM and SSD components may change based on availability at the time of manufacture.

| |- | 1. Intel Core i7 - 6950X Processor Extreme Edition | 2. Crucial CT16G4DFD8213 64GB (4x 16GB) DDR4 2133 MHz | 3. Pre-amp bracket: MIMO 15 db LNA, MIMO TX SAW filter, MIMO 20 db PA | 4. GIGABYTE GV-N210SL-1GI graphics card with NVIDIA GeForce 210 | 5. Crucial MX300 SATA 3 internal 1 TB SSD w/ M.2 interface | 6. Corsair CX750MW Power Supply Unit | 7. LimeSDR QPCIe board | 8. ASUS X99-M WS micro-ATX mainboard

LimeNET Amplifier Chassis

Designed to mate perfectly with LimeNET Core, the LimeNET Amplifier Chassis provides the necessary hardware to turn your SDR setup into a long range wireless network.

LimeSDR QPCIe

Whereas the LimeNET Mini and LimeNET Enterprise are based on the original LimeSDR USB boards (micro Type-B and Type-A, respectively), the LimeNET Core, and therefore the LimeNET Base Station, are based on the entirely new LimeSDR QPCIe board. This new board is a much more sophisticated version of the original LimeSDR PCIe board. In particular, it has two LMS7002 transceiver chips instead of one, which allows for a 4x4 MIMO configuration instead of a 2x2 MIMO configration.

LimeNET QPCIe board (front side)

1. RF RX connectors15. IC43 - EEPROM
2. J43, J42 - reference clock in and out16. IC43 - FX3 flash boot jumper
3. LVDS interface17. J28 - FPGA JTAG (0.1”)
4. IC40, J41 - GNSS receiver and antenna connector18. SW2 - 4-bit switch
5. IC38 - FLASH memory19. IC21, IC23 - FPGA configuration flash memory
6. J39, J38 - 2 x PMOD connectors20. BATT1-RTC backup battery
7. LEDs21. IC39 - temperature sensor
8. SW3 - power control switch22. IC39 - temperature sensor
9. J44 - external 12 V power supply connector23. RF RX connectors
10. J45 - 6-pin PCIe power connector24. RF TX connectors
11. J31 - FX3 JTAG (0.05”)25. RF PAs, switches, and connectors
12. IC34 - USB 3.0 controller (FX3)26. IC1, IC4 - 2 x FPRF LMS7002M transceivers
13. J29 - USB 3.0 connector (micro Type-B)27. RF TX connectors
14. IC35 - FX3 flash memory

LimeNET QPCIe board (back side)

| |- | 1. IC49 - clock synthesizer | 2. IC46 - phase detector | 3. XO1-3 VCTXO | 4. IC2, IC3, IC5, IC6-RF transceivers EEPROMs | 5. IC42, real time clock

Note: While you can use the LimeSDR QPCIe board with other computers, LimeNET Core and, by extension, LimeNET Base Station are the only complete systems we’ve tested and pre-qualified as part of the LimeNET ecosystem. Of course, we encourage developers to integrate LimeSDRs of all flavors into new hardware configurations, but our ability to support and maintain hardware configurations is currently limited to those in the LimeNET family.

LimeNET Gateway

LimeNET Gateway is a complete, certified, high-bandwidth cellular gateway that provides Wi-FI and Ethernet Internet connectivity backed by a connection to a 2G, 3G, or 4G macrocell. It provides users with downlink and uplink throughput of 150 and 50 Mbps, respectively, and can connect to any operator network with a SIM card (not included). Save $100 off the retail price.

LimeNET Gateway Example

Software, Drivers, and App Store

LimeNET is built on a robust, community-driven software stack, including:

Check out our Ubuntu app stores for more information:

Manufacturing Plan

As with the original LimeSDR campaign, which has already delivered thousands of software-defined radios to developers worldwide, we will continue to use our established network of trusted manufacturing and assembly partners in Taiwan and the UK.

Shipping & Fulfillment

All LimeNET products have free worldwide shipping. Orders being shipped to the EU will ship from the UK. Orders being shipped outside of the EU will ship from Crowd Supply’s US-based fulfillment facility. The recipient is responsible for all import fees and duties. You can find out more about fulfillment in the Crowd Supply Guide.

Risks & Challanges

A lot of time went into developing and testing everything offered in this campaign, so we are confident there is minimal risk involved. We of course face the usual risks associated with manufacturing (e.g., parts shortages).

In the Press


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LimeNET Gateway

A complete, certified, high-bandwidth cellular gateway that provides Wi-FI and Ethernet Internet connectivity backed by a connection to a 2G, 3G, or 4G macrocell. It provides users with downlink and uplink throughput of 150 and 50 Mbps, respectively, and can connect to any operator network with a SIM card (not included).

$219 $8 US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Mini

A high-performance mini PC with an integrated and shielded internal LimeSDR USB micro Type-B, U.FL cables, and antennas. This hardware is fully qualified for compatibility with the LimeNET Ubuntu app store.

$2,199 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Enterprise + Gateway

A high-performance PC with an external LimeSDR with Aluminum Kit from the original LimeSDR campaign, as well as a LimeNET Gateway for backhaul connectivity. This hardware is fully qualified for compatibility with the LimeNET Ubuntu app store. Save $300 off the post-campaign retail price of $2,999. (NOTE: There is an $800 discount for a version without the LimeSDR with Aluminum Kit, but it is available only to those who purchased a LimeSDR with Aluminum Kit from the original LimeSDR campaign before the launch of the LimeNET campaign. To qualify, please place your order by July 13, 2017 and include your original order number in the order comments. The $800 discount will be applied shortly after your order is placed).

$2,699 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Mini (without LimeSDR)

A high-performance mini PC without an internal LimeSDR, U.FL cables, or antennas. This hardware is fully qualified for compatibility with the LimeNET Ubuntu app store provided you have your own LimeSDR for external use. (NOTE: Those who purchased a LimeSDR before the launch of the LimeNET campaign get a $400 discount on the version of the LimeNET Mini without the integrated LimeSDR. To claim the $1,199 price, place your order by July 13, 2017 and include your LimeSDR order number in the order comments. Your price will be adjusted shortly after placing your LimeNET Mini order.)

$1,599 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Enterprise (without LimeSDR)

A high-performance PC that is fully qualified for compatibility with the LimeNET Ubuntu app store provided you have your own LimeSDR for external use.

$1,899 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Base Station - Early Bird

This is a steeply discounted combination of the LimeNET Core + LimeNET Amplifier Chassis. This is all you need to set up your own cellular network!

$17,250 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Base Station

This is a steeply discounted combination of the LimeNET Core + LimeNET Amplifier Chassis. This is all you need to set up your own cellular network! These are made to order and fulfillment timelines vary.

$21,250 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Core

A top-of-the-line gaming PC with an integrated LimeSDR QPCIe board. As the name suggests, it is the core of the LimeNET Base Station, but you can also get it separately for desktop development or integration into your own system. These are made to order and fulfillment timelines vary.

$7,699 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Amplifier Chassis

Amplifier Module for long range connectivity features: Set of two (MIMO): 10 W RF Output Power Amplifier + Duplexer + Antenna Your choice of frequency band (700 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.5 GHz) Thick monolithic aluminum body These are made to order and fulfillment timelines vary.

$13,199 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeSDR QPCIe

The latest addition to the LimeSDR family! Double the capacity (4x4 MIMO) of the original LimeSDR PCIe, this board is at the heart of the LimeNET Core and, by extension, the LimeNET Base Station.

$2,599 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

LimeNET Mini - Early Bird

A high-performance mini PC with an integrated and shielded internal LimeSDR USB micro Type-B, U.FL cables, and antennas. This hardware is fully qualified for compatibility with the LimeNET Ubuntu app store. Other than reduced pricing (save $300) and limited quantity (only five available), this early bird batch is the same as the regular LimeNET Mini with integrated LimeSDR.

$1,899 Free US Shipping / $18 Worldwide

About the Team

Lime Microsystems

Guildford, England  ·   limemicro.com  ·   myriadrf  ·   LimeMicro  ·   limemicro

Working toward the democratization of wireless communication through an open source ideology.

Ebrahim Bushehri
 ebrahim24
Jessica Gillingham
Andrew Back
 9600
Zydrunas (Zack) Tamosevicius
 ztamosevicius
Karolis Kiela
 Karoliskiela
Ignas Skudrickas
 ignasjarusevicius
Alex Gross
Lexi Hatziharalambous
Nayl Dsouza

See Also

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