There will always be a segment of the population that wants to “fly under the radar” and attempt to defeat GPS tracking devices with GPS jammers. Geotab is therefore dedicated to maintaining a tamper-proof, robust and stable fleet management system.
Where in the World Am I? How a GPS System Works
To understand how a jammer functions, we must first understand how the global positioning system (GPS) works. A GPS tracker receives microwave signals from an array of satellite transmitters orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km. 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, this data is communicated over the cellular network.
What is a GPS Jamming Device?
GPS jamming devices or GPS jammers are a typically small, self-contained, transmitter that generates a 1575.42 Mhz interference signal over a 5 to 10 metre radius.
Typically, the user plugs the jammer into a cigarette lighter and places the unit close enough to a GPS tracker to disrupt the GPS satellite signal. Once powered up, they become fully operational in less than 20 seconds. The relatively low power and quick start-up time allow the jammers to be used only when required. Criminals will switch them off as soon as possible to avoid detection. These GPS jammers can be purchased cheaply on the Internet for less than $100.
How Does GPS Jamming Occur?
In some cases, satellite malfunction or solar flares can temporarily disrupt the transmission of GPS signals. A GPS jammer sends out radio signals or signals noise with the same frequency as the GPS device, to override or distort the GPS satellite signals. The GPS device can then no longer calculate its position because the satellite signal is masked by the interference.
How Geotab Detects and Eliminates GPS Jamming Threats
Fortunately, the negative effects and usefulness of GPS jammers can be minimized with Geotab devices.
MyGeotab picks up GPS signal disruption. When a GPS signal is not received, the Trip History map will show a missing or interrupted trip — clearly calling attention to an issue.
If GPS jamming occurs mid-trip, a straight line will be displayed when jamming starts to the point where the jamming device is turned off. Anyone monitoring the vehicle will quickly see this and can investigate the cause of the missing trip information.
More immediate jammer detection is also available. The GPS module in Geotab GO6 and GO7 units have a jamming detection function that will trigger our device to report a debug log. This can be found in the log details of MyGeotab, appearing as GpsJammingDetected.
For simplified monitoring of jamming and other GPS issues, an exception rule can be created in MyGeotab. This rule will generate an exception report and can trigger an alert or send an email in the event GPS jamming occurs.
It is also important to note that a GPS jammer disrupts GPS receiver functionality but all other functions are unaffected. The Geotab GO device will continue to gather and send information such as engine data, error codes, auxiliaries, and etc.
Credit/Author: Vincent Scime, RMA Manager
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