GPS jammers are illegal devices that interfere with satellite signals to prevent GPS trackers from accurately reporting a vehicle’s location. Datalink GPS devices include jamming detection capabilities to alert you when interference is detected.
What is GPS Jamming?
GPS jammers emit radio frequency noise that overpowers the satellite signals that GPS devices rely on for positioning. When a jammer is active near a GPS tracker, the device loses its ability to acquire a location fix and may appear to have stopped moving or gone offline.
GPS jammers are commonly used by drivers wishing to evade fleet tracking monitoring. Their use is illegal in Australia and carries significant penalties.
How Jamming Detection Works
Datalink GPS devices monitor the quality and strength of incoming satellite signals. When the device detects a sudden or sustained loss of GPS signal quality that is consistent with jamming activity (rather than a tunnel or building obstruction), it:
- Logs a jamming detection event with a timestamp
- Transmits an alert to the tracking platform
- Continues to log events using the last known position until signal is restored
Receiving Jamming Alerts
Jamming detection alerts can be configured in your Datalink tracking platform under the alerts/notifications section. You can choose to receive these alerts via email, SMS, or in-app notification. A report of all jamming detection events can also be generated for compliance and audit purposes.
What to Do When Jamming is Detected
- Note the time, location, and vehicle associated with the jamming event.
- Review the trip history around the event to identify if location data is missing.
- Speak with the driver to understand the circumstances.
- If jamming device use is confirmed or suspected, consider escalating to management or HR.
Important Note
Not all GPS signal loss is caused by jamming. Tunnels, underground car parks, dense urban canyons, and some factory environments can all cause GPS signal degradation. Review the context of each alert before drawing conclusions.
Contact Datalink at 03 7064 0515 for assistance with configuring jamming alerts.
