GNSS Signal Authentication via Digital Fingerprinting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS satellite signals can be compromised by spoofing, which involves transmitting false or corrupted signals to deceive receivers into displaying inaccurate positioning and timing information.
Innovation Solution
A GNSS signal authentication system that uses the unique phase relationship between signals transmitted from physically separate antennas on a GNSS satellite to generate a digital fingerprint, which is compared to an expected relationship based on satellite ephemeris and receiver location to authenticate the signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional GNSS signal reception is used, then positioning and timing information can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to spoofing attacks that compromise signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by computing a digital fingerprint from the received GNSS satellite signals before performing authentication. The fingerprint is derived from the unique phase relationships and geometric characteristics of signals from multiple satellite antennas, preparing the data in advance for verification against expected values to detect spoofing attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the computed digital fingerprint with an expected fingerprint based on satellite ephemeris and receiver location. This comparison provides feedback on signal authenticity, allowing the system to identify spoofed signals and maintain reliable positioning and timing information
2Reliability
If digital fingerprint authentication is implemented, then signal authenticity can be verified, but the system complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the inherent geometric relationships and phase characteristics of genuine GNSS satellite signals themselves to create the digital fingerprint. The system uses the satellite's own transmitted signal properties (from physically separate antennas) as the authentication mechanism, rather than requiring external reference signals or complex cryptographic key management infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal authentication methodology includes receiving, by one or more processors, a first digital signal and a second digital signal, the first digital signal and the second digital signal each representative of a GNSS satellite signal received from a GNSS satellite and including a ranging code that uniquely identifies the GNSS satellite, the first and second GNSS satellite signals transmitted contemporaneously from physically separate antennas onboard the GNSS satellite. The methodology continues with computing, by the one or more processors, a digital fingerprint based on the first digital signal and the second digital signal, and determining, by the one or more processors, that the first GNSS satellite signal and the second GNSS satellite signal are authentic (or not) based on the digital fingerprint. If the first and/or second GNSS satellite signals are found to not be authentic, remedial action may be taken.