Vulnerability of the GPS Signal to Jamming

The Global Positioning System (GPS) and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) provide lower power signals that are susceptible to interference. The potential exists for a person or organization to jam GPS or WAAS signals, causing a loss of service over a large area. Accidental interence by extraneous radio transmissions on the GPS frequency also can cause loss of service. Jamming has become a serious issue for GPS, and the U. S. military is making a significant effort to mitigate jamming effects. While jamming is a major concern of the military, interference is of a no lesser concern to the civilian sector. In fact, with varying emphasis both jamming and interference are concerns of the entire GPS user community. This article explores jamming and interference threats to the GPS. We provide a general overview of the GPS signal structure, discuss jamming effects on the GPS, and consider mitigating options. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.