How do GPS Jammers Operate

When you see information on GPS Jammers, you may wonder what a GPS jammer is and what potential applications it may have.
GPS Jammers

Before explaining the how and what of GPS jammers it is best to explain how GPS works. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is used by individuals, commercial entities and the military, mostly for navigational purposes. GPS uses a system of satellites that orbit the earth and send radio signals. The GPS satellites work with a GPS receiver to determine positioning via triangulation. GPS can be found (and hence GPS jammers can be effective against) individual handheld units, car navigational and positioning systems, and boat navigational and positioning systems.

GPS operates using triangulation, which is a method in which three separate points are measured to calculate location. In a car's navigation system, the car's location is measured by three specific satellites orbiting the earth. Using triangulation, GPS can deliver the location to the receiver within inches of its exact location. It is important to note that GPS radio signals use a specific frequency. There are actually two major frequencies that GPS works on: one is for public, non-military use at 1575.42 MHz and one that is used solely for the US military at 1227.6 MHz. Because GPS is nothing more than radio waves, these waves can be jammed using a GPS Jammer, though technical devices and expertise are needed for that purpose.

While GPS jammers have been created (specifically by the government, military organizations and spy or privacy gadget companies), most civilians do not have the technical capabilities to create their own home made device. It is much more difficult than just blocking a radio signal with basic radio interference.

Most GPS jammers are built for military uses, for instance, to confuse the enemy on where their exact location is or where the enemies GPS guided missiles or bombs will fall. However, there are a few civilian uses for jamming GPS signals including the ability to conceal oneself or one's vehicle in the case that it is being tracked by a GPS receiver. A practical application of GPS jammer use by civilians would be a salesperson that would buy a GPS jammer.  The salesperson may want to have lunch outside their territory, or run home for a forgotten item, without having to do a lot of explaining due to GPS tracking on their vehicle. Most GPS jammers have a range of up to 10 meters, which will cover even the largest of vehicles.