What is HackRF?

HackRF One is an open-source SDR platform that allows users to receive and transmit radio signals within a wide range of frequencies, from 1 MHz up to 6 GHz. It finds its application amongst enthusiasts, researchers, and hobbyists across the whole domain of radio frequency explorations, security testing, and general RF experimentation.

- Frequency Range: 1 MHz to 6 GHz.
- Half-Duplex: It is capable of only transmission or reception at a time.
- USB-Powered: It is connected through USB and hence can be carried anywhere, making it quite operational on laptops and desktops.
- Open Source: Open-source software that it offers includes GNU Radio, SDR# (SDRSharp), and many more.
- Versatility: It has various uses; using the device, one is able to listen to radio signals, GSM, GPS, Bluetooth, and even some frequencies of Wi-Fi.

Common Uses:

1. Signal Analysis: Testing and learning of various kinds of RF signals.
2. Radio Transmissions: Creating custom radio transmissions for testing and development.
3. Security Research: Testing vulnerabilities in wireless communication systems, such as GSM sniffing.
4. Amateur Radio: Playing with various ham radio signals.

Popular Software:

- GNU Radio: Free open-source toolkit for building software radio systems.
- SDR (SDRSharp): Very popular SDR application for receiving and visualizing radio signals.
- GQRX: Free, open-source graphical software that allows easy reception. Universal Radio Hacker (URH): Analyzing and decoding of RF signals.