Github tracking

https://github.com/magma/magma/issues/15451

Rationale

Creating a "starter kit" for the Magma Core project, a 4G/5G communications initiative, serves as a foundational tool that enables users to swiftly engage with the technology and start testing various use cases. The kit, comprising the AGW, the 4G/5G radio units and customer premises equipment (CPEs), is designed to simplify the initial setup process, thereby allowing users to bypass the complexities typically associated with setting up a 4G/5G network from scratch. This ease of access is particularly beneficial for small businesses, educational institutions, and developers who may not have extensive resources or expertise in telecommunications. By providing a ready-to-use package, the Magma Core project ensures that a broader audience can experiment with and adopt advanced communication technologies.

The inclusion of radio units and CPEs in the starter kit is crucial for presenting the project effectively. These components are integral to demonstrating the capabilities of 4G/5G networks in real-world scenarios. For instance, users can set up the radio units to create a local network and use the CPEs to connect devices, showcasing the potential of Magma Core in delivering high-speed, reliable wireless communication.

This hands-on demonstration is invaluable in conveying the practical benefits and performance of the project, making it easier to attract interest from potential partners, investors, and customers. It also allows users to visualize and experience the technology firsthand, which is often more persuasive than theoretical presentations alone.

From a development perspective, the starter kit plays a pivotal role in enhancing the progress and innovation within the Magma Core project. By providing a standardized set of tools and components, the kit facilitates a uniform testing environment for developers. This standardization is key to ensuring consistent results across different use case tests and experiments with new features, thereby accelerating the identification of bugs, the refinement of features, and the overall improvement of the system. Moreover, having a common platform enables developers to share insights, troubleshoot collectively, and build upon each other's work more effectively, fostering a collaborative and innovative ecosystem around the Magma Core project.

Obtaining 10 starter kits will significantly bolster our efforts in integration testing by providing multiple reference points across diverse environments. Some of the selected vendors have a minimum order quantity of 10, which makes this the lower practical quantity that we can order.
These kits will allow the community to gather comprehensive data on the performance and compatibility of the Magma Core components in various real-world scenarios, ensuring a more thorough and reliable testing process. The community kits will be leased to development groups and individual contributors, enabling them to conduct independent tests and provide valuable feedback. Additionally, these kits will serve as vital tools for demonstrating the Magma Core project at trade shows and industry events. By showcasing the technology's capabilities and potential applications in a hands-on manner, we can effectively engage with stakeholders, attract new collaborators, and generate interest and investment in the project. This dual purpose of the kits—supporting development and serving as promotional assets—underscores their strategic importance in advancing the Magma Core initiative.

Intended use

Kits procured by Magma Community (LFC) will have following intended use:

• Trade shows where we present Magma: These kits will be pivotal in showcasing the Magma Core project at various trade shows and industry events. By providing live demonstrations of 4G/5G network capabilities, we can effectively illustrate the technology's benefits and real-world applications, attracting potential partners, investors, and clients. The ability to present a tangible, working model of Magma Core will make our presentations more engaging and persuasive, significantly boosting the project's visibility
•  and credibility.
• Showroom piece: Having a fully functional Magma Core setup in the showrooms of the community members will allow us to offer continuous demonstrations to visitors, stakeholders, and potential collaborators. This setup will provide hands-on experience, making it easier to understand the practical benefits and technical intricacies of the project, thereby fostering stronger relationships and interest in the technology. 
• Testing of new releases: The kits will be essential for rigorous testing of new software and hardware releases. By deploying these updates in a controlled environment, we can ensure that they function correctly and meet the required standards before wider distribution. This testing phase is crucial for maintaining the quality and reliability of the Magma Core project, as it helps identify and resolve any issues early on.
• Kick-start development of new features: The starter kits will also be instrumental in the development of new features. Developers can use these kits to experiment with and prototype innovative functionalities, accelerating the R&D process. By having immediate access to a complete setup, developers can quickly iterate and refine their ideas, leading to faster and more effective advancements in the project.
• Interoperability testing: Lastly, the kits will facilitate comprehensive interoperability testing. As 4G/5G networks often need to work seamlessly with various devices and technologies, it is critical to ensure compatibility. By using the starter kits to test interoperability with different equipment and systems, we can identify and address potential issues, thereby ensuring that Magma Core can integrate smoothly into diverse technological ecosystems. This will enhance the project's appeal and usability across a broad range of applications and industries.

Members will also be able to procure these kits for their own labs.

(July 8, 2024) Proposed budget for initial order of kits

Following budget is required to procure 10 kits (Kit variation details in next section below)

• In addition, we should reserve additional 10% of this budget for transport and unforeseen costs.

Kit variations

Starter Kit #1 - b48/n48 (CBRS USA) 

Starter Kit #2 - b48/n77 (Industrial Band Europe)

Starter Kit #3 - b48 (CBRS 4G Only, 2 eNB + 2 CPE)

Starter Kit #4 - n48 (CBRS 5G Only, 2 gNB)