Minimizing the impact of GNSS interference on critical infrastructure

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, powering everything from navigation apps on our smartphones to critical infrastructure in aviation, telecommunications and defence. But, as GNSS technology becomes prevalent, so does the presence of interference—both intentional and unintentional—which can overpower weak GNSS signals, leading to degraded accuracy or complete signal loss. Intentional interference, often in the form of jammers, is a growing concern for GNSS users. Jammers are devices designed to deliberately interfere with GNSS signals. They can be purchased online and used to disrupt GNSS-dependent systems. For example, in the aviation sector, where GNSS is crucial for navigation and landing procedures, interference from jammers poses a significant threat to aircraft and passenger safety, as it can lead to navigation errors and potential accidents. Unintentional interference can come from nearby communication towers and other electronic devices. These sources can emit signals that interfere with GNSS frequencies and, although not intentional, the interference can be dangerous, affecting the accuracy of critical GNSS-based applications. The impact of GNSS interference is not limited to navigation. GNSS signals are also used for precise timing, which is essential for synchronizing telecommunications networks, financial transactions and power grids. Any disruption in GNSS signals can lead to cascading effects, causing widespread outages and financial losses. Download Whitepaper