GNSS Spoofing Detection via eLORAN Backup Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are vulnerable to spoofing and jamming, which can lead to inaccurate location information and disrupt navigation systems, particularly in critical areas like maritime and aviation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a network of earth-based receivers with known locations, a processing hub, and a backup navigation system (such as eLORAN) that detects and mitigates spoofing and jamming by comparing received signals against known good data and switching to an alternative navigation method when compromised signals are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS signals are used for navigation, then location information can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to spoofing and jamming attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backup navigation system (eLORAN) as an intermediary layer between the GNSS receiver and the final navigation decision. The eLORAN system receives independent timing signals from ground-based transmitters and provides a secondary location verification mechanism. This mediator allows the system to cross-check GNSS-derived location against eLORAN-calculated location, detecting spoofing when discrepancies exceed a threshold while maintaining continuous navigation capability.
2Reliability
If a backup navigation system is added to detect spoofing, then navigation reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the eLORAN receiver to serve multiple functions: it acts as a backup navigation system, a spoofing detection mechanism, and a timing synchronization source. By making the backup system multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function. The same eLORAN infrastructure provides both alternative navigation capability and security verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the eLORAN receiver's own timing signals and ground-based transmitter infrastructure to perform spoofing detection, rather than requiring external verification systems. The eLORAN system serves itself by providing both the primary timing reference and the independent location verification mechanism, eliminating the need for additional external validation infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If signal comparison with known good data is performed, then spoofed signals can be identified, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores eLORAN timing data and expected signal characteristics before spoofing detection is needed. The eLORAN receiver continuously monitors ground-based transmitter signals and maintains a database of expected timing and location data. When spoofing detection is required, the system compares incoming GNSS signals against these pre-prepared reference data, significantly reducing processing time compared to real-time analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time signal analysis mechanisms with simpler comparison operations against pre-computed eLORAN-derived location data. Instead of performing sophisticated signal processing to detect spoofing in real-time, the system substitutes a straightforward location comparison between GNSS and eLORAN results, which is computationally less intensive and faster to execute.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for mitigating the jamming or spoofing of information that is used in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) geolocation system. In an area of interest where accurate geolocation information is critical—for example, at an airport, harbour, or other locations where accurate navigation is critical—several receiving stations having known and pre-determined geolocations are positioned. These receiving stations receive location signals from a constellation of geolocation satellites, and send the information about received signals to a central processing hub. The processing hub includes facilities to compare location information received by a particular receiving station and to determine whether the location information received by that receiving station from a particular satellite is consistent with known location information about that receiving station. In the event that there is a discrepancy between the known location information and the received location information, the processing hub can send a warning signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the system and method include a backup geolocation system; when it is determined that the GNSS geolocation system is determined to be inaccurate or unavailable, a secondary location system can be switched to. The backup geolocation system can be a land-based location system such as eLORAN.