
We know that the topics on this forum will end up twisting, turning, and running-off on tangents, so we thought the best way to kick things off is to discuss what GNSS jamming is and why it's important in the modern world.
While the concept may seem complex, the truth is that GNSS jamming is relatively simple.
Regardless of the application, signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) can be blocked or disrupted, ultimately leading to inaccurate global positioning information and more. While GNSS jamming can actually happen unintentionally, the term typically refers to intentional disruption or interference.
Often, GNSS jamming is considered illegal, but it can also be carried out by militaries, governments, and authorities who need to prevent satellite navigation from being used for harmful or potentially harmful purposes.
GNSS jamming is carried out by producing a Radio Frequency (RF) signal that is strong enough to overpower transmissions from GNSS satellites. Since GNSS signals are sent from orbit, typically from more than 20,000 feet above the Earth's surface, they must travel long distances before reaching ground stations or receivers - ultimately weakening the signal and making them vulnerable to interference or spoofing.
While GNSS signals can be jammed unintentionally, it is often a deliberate action, and more people and entities are beginning to adopt the strategy to support their goals - most often to prevent a device, vehicle, ship, or aircraft from being tracked.
Since GNSS and GPS use relatively weak transmission signals, all sorts of RF interference can severely disrupt or alter velocity, timing, and position data - ultimately leading to inadequate global positioning and navigation.
Depending on the application of interference, the possibility of causing harm or economic loss is high.
There are numerous different reasons someone might want to jam a GNSS signal, the most common being those operating vehicles, ships, or aircraft that do not want to be tracked.
Some truck drivers use GPS jammers when they want to avoid monitoring by their company, while others with more vague concerns choose to use jammers to avoid government tracking.
So, while there is no defined and limited base of who benefits from and carries out GNSS jamming, it is important to consider the wide range of applications that may benefit from such actions.
While illegal in the United States, instances of minor GNSS and GPS interference are becoming relatively common - mostly due to how easy GPS jammers are to find and buy from online outlets.
GNSS signals can be jammed or interrupted intentionally or unintentionally.
Unintentional GNSS jamming is typically credited to the rapid growth of wireless technology and is often caused by nearby radio devices broadcasting at a frequency that is strong enough to disrupt the L-band of the GNSS signal.
Intentional GNSS disruptions, on the other hand, are primarily carried out in one of two ways: Jamming or Spoofing.
GNSS jamming knocks out the ability of a GNSS receiver to receive a signal, while GNSS spoofing broadcasts fake satellite signals that trick the GNSS receiver by broadcasting false location signals and/or time stamps.
GNSS and GPS jammers pose numerous risks to users and the public.
For example, when a GPS jammer is being used, it can prevent people from dialing 911 in emergencies.
Jammed signals could prevent a drone from flying on target, potentially resulting in a crash in a crowded area, and they could even disrupt communications between law enforcement and other authorities, which poses a significant risk to public health and safety.
Simply put, there are countless ways in which jammed GPS signals could pose a health or safety risk.
Apart from public safety, GNSS jamming poses a significant economic risk - as GPS and GNSS technologies are part of nearly everything we do in the modern world.
If a jammed GNSS signal disrupted a single ship or even a shipping fleet, for example, the economic losses probably wouldn't be catastrophic outside of the organization. However, if a far-reaching disruption were to create widespread complications, the losses could within the maritime sector be crippling.
Construction is another sector that could see huge economic losses if a widespread GPS disruption occurred. According to research conducted by the Rand Corporation, the construction sector in Houston alone could see losses as high as $85 million per day during such scenarios.
While illegal, GNSS and GPS jammers can be found relatively easily online, creating a significant cause for concern and making it imperative for authorities to have the technologies and resources available to monitor, identify, and track potential threats.