How to Combat GNSS Interference and Jamming with Smarter Solutions
- Braemac
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
With the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) market size projected to surpass $454.46 billion by 2032, it’s clear that industries worldwide rely on it for precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). However, despite its critical role in tech, GNSS is far from invincible.
GNSS satellites fundamentally operate by transmitting low-power radio signals from space. By the time the signals arrive on Earth, they’re extremely weak, making them highly vulnerable to interference and jamming threats. As GNSS becomes more embedded in mission-critical systems, the risk of signal disruption is a growing concern.
So how can you, as an engineer, design fortified GNSS systems capable of withstanding security threats? Available through Braemac, there are advanced hardware and system-level solutions that are purpose-built to defend against interference.
What is Jamming?
Jamming is an intentional radio frequency interference (RFI) with GNSS signals. It prevents receivers from locking onto satellite signals and can render a GNSS as ultimately ineffective. These deliberate interferences often come with serious safety and operational consequences. Recent global incidents highlight just how real and widespread jamming threats have become:
Commercial Aviation: In mid-2024, South Korean authorities reported widespread spoofing (broadcasting counterfeit satellite signals) that affected hundreds of flights. Believed to originate in North Korea, these attacks triggered a cascade of false alerts, forcing airlines to alter flight routes and carry extra fuel. According to Reuters.
Military Operations: In defense operations, jamming is technically considered a battlefield tactic. The Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) field prepares military systems for such threats through simulations. Spirent uses tools like their Spirent PNT X platform to enable realistic testing jamming/spoofing scenarios on GPS receivers to develop equipment with tactical resilience.
Everyday Interference: Not all jammers are military-grade. Even low-power devices can be disruptive. In the US, a $50 “chirp Jammer” used by a truck driver at Newark Airport disrupted a GPS-based landing system. Pocket-sized jammers sweep GNSS L1/L2 frequency bands to impact drones and vehicles across a 1 km+ radius.
Top 5 Ways to Mitigate GNSS Security Threats
From commercial airspace to critical infrastructure and the battlefield, GNSS interference and jamming are active threats engineers must design against. Here are the top three ways to safeguard your GNSS solutions by combining advanced technology with expert support from Braemac.
Upgrade to Multi-Frequency, Resilient GNSS Receivers
Multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS receivers offer enhanced fortification by tracking signals across bands like L1, L2, and L5 – providing necessary fallback options if one band is jammed and enabling spoofing detection through cross-validation.
Sepentrio is well-known in the industry for their robust line of advanced GNSS receivers. Engineered for high-accuracy positioning in mission-critical applications, their multi-frequency/multi-constellation solutions provide reliable centimeter-level precision even in the harshest environments. Ideal in interference-prone areas, Sepentrio GNSS receiver solutions include OEM boards, enclosed modules, and integrated smart antennas.
Anti-Jamming Antennas for Front-End Protection
As a GNSS system developer, your first line of defense begins at the antenna-level. Anti-jamming antennas are designed to block low-angle, ground-based interference before it even reaches the GNSS receiver to significantly improve system stability. Calian anti-jamming antenna technology is purpose-built to suppress ground-level or low-angle interference that could otherwise overwhelm an antenna’s Low Noise Amplifier (LNA).
Simulate Attacks and Validate Systems Before Deployment
Lab-based simulation is essential for testing resilience without operational risk. GNSS signal emulation allows developers to recreate real-world spoofing and jamming events in a controlled setting. Mentioned earlier, the Spirent PNT X platform is a sixth-generation solution for GNSS PNT. It enables robust system protection even in the most challenging RF conditions through streamlined, high-fidelity testing so developers can achieve consistent, repeatable results for mission-critical applications.
Leverage RF Transceivers for Research, Development, and Education
Software-defined radio (SDR) transceivers play a critical role in enhancing GNSS security by enabling rapid prototyping, custom filtering, and real-time signal analysis. They’re also a vital educational tool for navigation and RF defense technique training.
The NI Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) family offers a scalable range of software-defined radios designed for advanced wireless research,
prototyping, and deployment. NI USRP N320/N321 models support distributed systems with remote management features like over-the-network software updates, health monitoring, and diagnostics—ideal for large-scale deployments. The N321 also enables phase-coherent operation across multiple devices via shared local oscillators. For higher performance, the USRP X410 delivers multichannel operation from 1 MHz to 7.2 GHz with up to 400 MHz bandwidth per channel, built on a Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC and featuring high-speed interfaces like dual QSFP28, PCIe Gen3, and USB-C.
Partner with Braemac for End-to-End Success
With nearly 40 years in high-tech distribution, Braemac offers a comprehensive portfolio of best-in-class hardware solutions as well as a robust line of value-added services to help engineers future-proof GNSS system design. From hands-on engineering design support to supply chain reliability and management capabilities, our team ensures your design is configured for success.
Contact info@Braemac.com to get started today!
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