The GPS (Global Positioning System) has quickly become an essential tool for security systems around the world since its inception. Able to provide accurate location information at any given time, GNSS/GPS systems are invaluable to militaries, governments, and other high organizations.
There is, however, the threat of interference technology, like GPS jamming. The use of CRPA simulators can mitigate the dangers of GPS jamming. But how disruptive can interference be from jamming systems?
A Threat to National Security
Jamming devices are radio frequency transmitters with the ability to disrupt various communication platforms like phone calls, Wi-fi networks, and GPS technologies.
The United States relies heavily on GPS, using it for different applications, from sea and air navigation to mapping and tracking purposes. That’s why the mere possession of a signal jammer is a criminal offense that can cost you up to tens of thousands of dollars and result in imprisonment.
GPS jammers are also becoming much more potent. Recent tests of a military GPS jammer reported its ability to render satellite navigations useless. If the disruptive technology falls into the wrong hands, we’re left with a potential security breach.
A Daily Nuisance
Many are under the assumption that the use of GPS is exclusive to high-tier organizations, but that’s far from the truth. GPS affects your daily life as well, as new cars and mobile devices often have a GPS function installed.
Signal jammers have become increasingly common in the last few years, making it all the more dangerous. So common, in fact, that you can find them for sale on eBay for less than $50. The worst part about this is that anyone can use these jammers, which puts your own GPS-reliant navigational system at risk.
Say you’re using an app like Google Maps to locate a certain destination, signal interference from GPS jammers can mislead you to a different location or even shut down your app altogether.
There’s also the fact that GPS jammers are easy to use, escalating its potential danger even further.
An Electronic Weapon
Setting aside the cheap, retail GPS jammers found online, a powerful GPS jammer can misdirect large sea vessels far away from their intended course.
According to Todd Humphreys, a leading expert on GPS systems, this can pave the way for a new breed of electronic warfare.
Anti-Jam Testing
Many consider Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) to be the best pre-correlation protection technique against jam interference. If you’re looking to simulate one clear GPS RF signal wavefront without any interference, our CAST-5000 can help you in that endeavor.
Our CAST-5000 CRPA tester, which you can upgrade for anti-jam testing capability, allows for full testing of the antenna system while specifying interference levels and signal transition.
GPS enhances the capabilities of our government and improves our way of life. So it’s vital to keep the technology free from interference.
Contact us today for more details about our state-of-the-art simulators.
