Protecting Broadcast Infrastructure from GPS Jamming and Spoofing Attacks

Metadata

Publisher: SMPTE
Doc Type: Journal Article
Content Type: Original Research
Abbreviated Title: SMPTE Motion Imaging Jour.
Volume: 135, No. 3, pp. 25–34
Abstract: Global Positioning System (GPS) is ubiquitous in our everyday lives and widely used and trusted for navigation and other services. GPS is also the fundamental source of time for most broadcast networks. As such, broadcast networks depend on GPS for reliable operation. GPS is vulnerable to a long list of threats, including jamming and spoofing attacks. Jamming and spoofing are on the rise, and a variety of technologies exist to protect broadcast infrastructure. This paper explains how jamming and spoofing attacks are executed, shares global surveys of jamming and spoofing occurrences, contrasts accidental vs. military or state-sponsored attacks, introduces technologies and tools to mitigate these problems, discusses the effectiveness of mitigation techniques, and explains testing methods, including in-lab testing and live-sky events. Tools discussed include RF & IF filters, holdover oscillators, redundant receivers, remote antennas, anti-jamming antennas, terrestrial time transport, multi-constellation and multiband receivers, GNSS consistency checks, cryptographic authentication, and alternative PNT sources. The paper will close by explaining how testing is conducted, sharing experience from lab and field testing, and recommending an approach to protecting infrastructure.
Publication Date: 2026-05-01
DOI: 10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948
ISSN: Print: 1545-0279 | Electronic: 2160-2492
Link: https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948
Author(s): Allan Armstrong
Leigh Whitcomb
Douglas Arnold
Steve Kolta
Geshan Wrosinghert
Matt Silver
Mathias Kleinsorge
Daniel Boldt
Heiko Gerstung
Keyword(s): GPS, GNSS, Galileo, OSNMA, Jamming, Spoofing, Resilience, ST 2110, Holdover Oscillator
Copyright: © 2026 SMPTE

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Allan Armstrong, Leigh Whitcomb, Douglas Arnold, Steve Kolta, Geshan Wrosinghert, Matt Silver, Mathias Kleinsorge, Daniel Boldt, and Heiko Gerstung; Protecting Broadcast Infrastructure from GPS Jamming and Spoofing Attacks, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 3 (pp. 25 to 34); SMPTE, 2026. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948

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Allan Armstrong, Leigh Whitcomb, Douglas Arnold, Steve Kolta, Geshan Wrosinghert, Matt Silver, Mathias Kleinsorge, Daniel Boldt, and Heiko Gerstung; Protecting Broadcast Infrastructure from GPS Jamming and Spoofing Attacks, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 3 (pp. 25 to 34); SMPTE, 2026. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948

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<span class="citation">Allan Armstrong, Leigh Whitcomb, Douglas Arnold, Steve Kolta, Geshan Wrosinghert, Matt Silver, Mathias Kleinsorge, Daniel Boldt, and Heiko Gerstung; <cite>Protecting Broadcast Infrastructure from GPS Jamming and Spoofing Attacks</cite>, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 3 (pp. 25 to 34); SMPTE, 2026. Available at <a href="https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948</a></span>

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Allan Armstrong, Leigh Whitcomb, Douglas Arnold, Steve Kolta, Geshan Wrosinghert, Matt Silver, Mathias Kleinsorge, Daniel Boldt, and Heiko Gerstung; Protecting Broadcast Infrastructure from GPS Jamming and Spoofing Attacks, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 3 (pp. 25 to 34); SMPTE, 2026
doi: 10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948
url: https://doi.org/10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948

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Allan Armstrong, Leigh Whitcomb, Douglas Arnold, Steve Kolta, Geshan Wrosinghert, Matt Silver, Mathias Kleinsorge, Daniel Boldt, and Heiko Gerstung; <cite id="bib-10-5594-jmi-2026-ckzu8948">Protecting Broadcast Infrastructure from GPS Jamming and Spoofing Attacks</cite>, MIJ 2026, Volume 135, Number 3 (pp. 25 to 34); SMPTE, 2026
<span class="doi">10.5594/JMI.2026/CKZU8948</span>
</li>