Stroubles Creek CBRS Testbed Site
The Stroubles Creek CBRS Testbed is a premier outdoor research facility designed for end-to-end experimentation in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band. We offer a complete, real-world ecosystem that combines open-source flexibility with commercial-grade reliability, giving researchers unprecedented access to the world of dynamic spectrum sharing.
What is CBRS?
CBRS opens 150 MHz of mid-band spectrum (3.55-3.70 GHz) for dynamic and shared use among multiple user tiers. Previously, exclusive to federal systems, this band now enables enterprises, researchers, and service providers to deploy their own private LTE/5G networks. To keep everyone connected without interference, the system uses a three-tier model:
Incumbents: Federal systems (like naval radars) that have absolute priority and protection.
Priority Access (PAL): License holders who have protected access to specific areas.
General Access (GAA): Open access for users to use the spectrum whenever it is not being used by the higher tiers.
The CBRS Ecosystem:
Our testbed functions as a “living lab” using the critical components that make shared spectrum possible:
SAS (Spectrum Access System): The “traffic controller” that dynamically manages who can use which frequency in real-time
ESC (Environmental Sensing Capability): The “sensors” that detect when a priority user (like a radar) is nearby, prompting the system to clear the frequency instantly
Testbed Infrastructure
Outdoor Deployment:
1.5-mile corridor across Virginia Tech Blacksburg campus.
Three rooftop sites with weatherproof enclosures and remote management.
Map 1: CBRS Three-Rooftop Sites.
- CBSD 1: Human and Agricultural Biosciences Building rooftop.
- CBSD 2: Hahn Hall North rooftop.
- CBSD 3: The Animal husbandry Barn.
Dual Network Architecture:
Experimental Network: Consisting of open-source SAS with ML-based incumbent detection and SDR-based CBSDs.
Production Network: Consisting of commercial SAS (FederatedWireless), industry-grade CBSD equipment, and Virginia Tech PAL licenses.
Key Features:
5G NR standalone (srsRAN + Open5GS).
Remote acess via PiKVM and Ethernet PDU.
O-RAN compliant architecture.
Real-time spectrum monitoring.
CBSD (5G NR standalone network in CBRS band)
The Experimental CBSD are deployed using USRP x310, we are using srsRAN 5G NR stack and Open5GS core network for the 5G NR standalone CBRS network deployment.
We used Intel NUC to host Core and RAN software. We have integrated a Commscope commercial CBRS Antenna. These equipment will be put in weatherproof enclosures equipped with PiKVM and Ethernet PDU to remotely monitor and control the devices.
CBSD (5G NR standalone network in CBRS band)
The Experimental CBSD are deployed using USRP x310, we are using srsRAN 5G NR stack and Open5GS core network for the 5G NR standalone CBRS network deployment.
We used Intel NUC to host Core and RAN software. We have integrated a Commscope commercial CBRS Antenna. These equipment will be put in weatherproof enclosures equipped with PiKVM and Ethernet PDU to remotely monitor and control the devices.
Virginia Tech Priority Access License (PAL)
The planned deployment will also include commercial CBRS base stations that are part of the non-experimental or production deployment.
The Virginia Tech Foundation has acquired Priority Access Licenses (PALs) for the newly available Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). Virginia Tech’s priority access licenses include four 10-MHz blocks in Montgomery County and another four 10-MHz blocks in Craig County. The licenses are held by Virginia Tech Technology Assets (VTTA), a subsidiary of the Virginia Tech Foundation, and will be administered by the Division of Information Technology.
Join the Innovation:
The Stroubles Creek Testbed is an ideal environment for those looking to bridge the gap between policy and technology.
For Partners: Validate your CBRS equipment (CBSDs) or management software against our WInnForum-compliant OpenSAS or commercial Federated Wireless systems.
For Interns & Grad Students: Dive into the intersection of AI, Wireless Policy, and Network Engineering. We offer hands-on experience in building the "smart" networks that will define 6G spectrum sharing.