What are GPS-Störsenders and How to Combat Them? Quick Guide!

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In today’s increasingly connected world, being tracked both online and in reality is becoming the norm, particularly in the business sector where GPS tracking offers numerous advantages. However, not everyone is comfortable with sharing their location data. This raises the question: how can privacy be protected? Enter GPS-Störsenders, devices that block GPS signals to ensure anonymity. But what are they, how do they operate, and how does Geotab identify potential threats? Discover the answers to these pressing questions and more.

What is a GPS Signal-Störsender?

A GPS-Störsender is a device that can conceal one’s location by transmitting radio signals with the same frequency as a GPS device. Due to this interference, the GPS becomes unable to determine its position. These jammers, known for their relatively low power consumption and quick startup time, can be used on-demand. While various types of cheap GPS-Störsenders, including physical shields, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth jammers, remote control jammers, spy camera jammers, and drone jammers, are illegally available for purchase online.

How does a GPS-Störsender operate?

To understand how a jammer functions, it’s helpful to know how the global positioning system (GPS) works. A GPS tracker receives microwave signals from an array of satellite transmitters orbiting the Earth. Once the tracker receives signals from four or more satellites, it determines its position through a series of time calculations and trilateration. The receiver relies on these precise and specific satellite signals to determine where it is in the world. The GPS tracking device then transmits this position and velocity information to a monitoring location, usually sent over the cellular network. However, GPS signals can be disrupted. The user plugs the jammer into the automotive auxiliary power outlet, and the unit is placed close to the installed GPS tracker. When active, the GPS-Störsender generates an interference signal over a 5 to 10-meter radius to disrupt reception of the GPS satellite signal. In some cases, satellite malfunction or solar flares can temporarily disrupt the transmission of GPS signals, but a jammer provides a more localized and controlled interference.

A GPS-Störsender effectively disrupts GPS device functionality by emitting radio signals or signal noise at the same frequency as the GPS. This interference overrides or distorts the satellite signals, rendering the GPS unable to accurately calculate its position. Due to the masking effect of the jammer’s interference, the GPS device loses its connection to the satellite, thus compromising its positioning capabilities.

Who Are the Users of GPS-Störsenders?

The reasons for using GPS-Störsenders are diverse and span from military tactics to civilian evasions. Originally developed for government and military use, these devices offer a critical advantage by concealing vehicle locations during high-risk missions, enhancing privacy and safety. However, their usage has extended beyond these initial intentions. Some civilians, particularly speeding drivers, employ GPS-Störsenders as a means to evade police detection and avoid costly fines. Criminal elements have also found utility in these devices, using them to facilitate vehicle theft or avoid toll and mileage charges undetected. Furthermore, in the fleet industry, drivers may resort to GPS jamming to maintain privacy regarding their whereabouts while operating company vehicles.

Are GPS Signal-Störsenders Legal to Use?

GPS jamming devices are prohibited in numerous nations, including the U.S., Canada, and the UK, due to legal restrictions. In the U.S., the marketing, sale, or utilization of GPS-Störsenders is explicitly outlawed by the federal Communications Act of 1934. Similarly, in Canada, the Radiocommunication Act forbids the importation, manufacturing, distribution, sale, possession, and use of such devices. The consequences for using jammers are severe, with penalties such as fines exceeding $100,000 in the U.S., potential imprisonment, and the loss of equipment.

How does GPS jamming affect the transportation industry?

GPS-Störsenders are a significant source of concern for law enforcement and the transportation sector, causing widespread interference with GPS asset tracking, commonly referred to as fleet tracking or telematics. This crucial business tool enables companies to monitor and manage various aspects of their fleet operations, including fuel consumption, idling time, driving patterns, and engine condition. However, the use of these jammers is not only prohibited but also poses significant safety risks. A case in point is a New Jersey truck driver who was penalized with a hefty fine of nearly $32,000 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after his GPS jamming device disrupted vital air traffic control communications at Newark Liberty International Airport. The driver had been using the jammer to conceal his whereabouts from his employer, unaware of the potential consequences. Thanks to radio monitoring equipment, an FCC investigator was able to pinpoint the source of the interference and confirm the jammer’s role in the incident.

How Can Geotab Be Used for Detecting GPS Jamming?

Fleets can minimize disruptions and ensure drivers‘ compliance by harnessing the power of Geotab. The Trips History map offers a clear visual representation, highlighting any missing or interrupted trips due to an absence of GPS signal. A telltale straight line appears on the map, indicating GPS jamming from its commencement until the jamming device is deactivated. This prompts swift action from those monitoring the vehicle, enabling them to promptly investigate the root cause of the missing trip data. It’s important to note that while GPS jamming is a potential reason for data loss, there could be other factors at play, such as a malfunctioning radio. Fortunately, the GPS module in the latest Geotab GO units is equipped with a jamming detection feature. When activated, it prompts the device to generate a debug log, alerting fleet managers to the issue. This log, accessible through MyGeotab, bears the distinct marker „GpsJammingDetected,“ streamlining the identification and resolution process.

How to set up alerts for GPS signal jamming?

Geotab users can stay vigilant against GPS jamming with automated detection. By creating a Log Data & Collisions report in MyGeotab and setting it to send alerts only when events are detected, users receive instant notifications via email. This prompts swift investigation into any potential jamming incidents. Importantly, even during GPS jamming, when the GPS receiver is disrupted, other Geotab GO device functions remain unaffected. The device continues to collect and transmit crucial vehicle data, including engine details, error codes, and auxiliary information, ensuring comprehensive monitoring despite lost GPS connection.