In 2013, a GPS jammer, a device meant to dodge fleet tracking, led to a hefty fine of nearly $32k from the FCC for an individual using it in his company car. This case highlights the consequences of tampering with corporate vehicle tracking systems.
Is Your GPS Signal No Longer Received? Here’s What to Do.
After over two years of struggle, FAA and NJ Port Authority officials finally uncovered the mysterious cause of intermittent failures in the new ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) at Newark Airport. With assistance from the FCC and specialized equipment, they discovered that a contractor on site was using a GPS jammer, which not only disrupted his company’s vehicle tracking system but also brought down the GBAS. This revelation came as a surprise, as the officials had been struggling to pinpoint the cause of these seemingly inexplicable problems.
GPS jammers, often small and inconspicuous devices plugged into a vehicle’s lighter port, emit powerful radio signals capable of overpowering or drowning out weaker ones like GPS. While these devices are illegal in the US, their online availability and the rising use of fleet management tracking systems have led to their increasing prevalence. Don’t be fooled by their seemingly harmless exterior; gps jammers possess significant potential for harm. The incident at Newark Airport serves as a prime example, where a mere $30 device unintentionally disrupted a cutting-edge landing system at a globally busy airport. Imagine the consequences if used with malicious intent.
The Department of Homeland Security has recently underscored the significance of GPS, highlighting its role beyond mere navigation. GPS stands as the cornerstone for timing and synchronization in various critical infrastructures, including finance, communications, industrial sectors, and the power grid. Its importance is such that any disruption, like those caused by jammers, can lead to a breakdown in these systems’ ability to synchronize their internal clocks, ultimately affecting their network synchronicity. Recognizing this threat, the DHS has been proactive in raising awareness and seeking solutions to protect these vital systems that our modern society heavily relies on.
Many critical infrastructure sectors demand millionths-of-a-second synchronization across their networks, making even brief GPS outages highly consequential. What’s more, such outages often occur silently, without any clear indication of jamming. The issue is further compounded by the fact that numerous datacenters, housing the servers powering these networks, are situated in busy warehousing districts or alongside major highways – two prime locations for encountering GPS jammers. At Orolia, we can attest to the relative frequency of such incidents, drawn from our wealth of experience and real-world examples.
Orolia has developed cutting-edge solutions to protect our customers from GPS signal threats. Recently, we’ve released a new anti-jamming (AJ) antenna that blocks RF signals originating near the horizon, where false interfering signals typically emerge. This innovative technology ensures that only true signals from satellites near the zenith are received, enhancing the reliability and security of GPS data. To visualize its effectiveness, imagine standing with your arms outstretched to both sides, parallel to the ground. As you raise your arms to create a 30-degree angle, any RF signal approaching below this point would be blocked if you were a GPS antenna atop a datacenter. Complementing this advancement, we also announced BroadShield last year. This system utilizes advanced algorithms to scrutinize the RF signal consumed by GPS receivers, detecting anomalies like jamming or spoofing. Together, these solutions offer comprehensive protection against a range of GPS signal threats.
Struggling with GPS outages caused by jamming? Discover the AJ antenna – a drop-in replacement for traditional GPS antennas, offering exceptional protection for critical networks. Easy to deploy, with no special power, mounting, or placement needs beyond a standard antenna, the AJ antenna stands out as a highly effective solution. We’ve tested it with customers facing jamming issues and recorded impressive results. Stay tuned for John Fischer’s blog revealing the remarkable outcomes. Don’t miss out on this game-changing technology.