How to detect WiFi jammers? from dojammer's blog

How to detect wifi jammers? It's easier than you think! There are several ways to detect interfering devices: signal strength, data rate, transmission time, and detection alarms. In this article, I will briefly describe each of these methods. If you're worried about being targeted by WiFi jammers, you'll be happy to know you're not alone.

signal strength

Using the suggested multi-mode scheme, you can detect the presence of wifi jammers. The proposed model integrates PDR and signal strength when determining whether the network is under attack. The proposed algorithm uses the observed signal strength variation (in dB) during the interfering pulse. This method is especially useful when using smart signal jammers. It can interfere with the entire network or just a part of it.

Using a computer to detect wifi jammers is very simple. Devices emit signals of different strengths, causing network confusion. However, this makes it possible to track its location using its system MAC address and relative IP address. This way, you can determine if a jammer is affecting your signal. Once you have the device's MAC address and associated IP address, you can take appropriate action to restore the cellular network.

data rate

One of the key ways to identify a wifi jammer is by its data rate. The data rate is measured using a device called a spectrum analyzer. Its variation is characterized using the standard deviation and the mean of the signal strength over a given time window. There are different detection thresholds that can be used to detect interference based on the data rate.

Packet send rate (PSR) measures the impact of interference on signal data transmission. The measurement is based on the transport channel and the number of packets sent and received. This ratio is also useful in identifying the effectiveness of jamming attacks. The PDR of a signal indicates its validity. If the signal is greatly degraded or distorted, it is likely that the signal is disturbed.

transmission time

There are several ways to interfere with WiFi signals on the market. One of them is to use a centroid-based algorithm to detect the position of the jammer. The algorithm requires the affected nodes to turn off transmission and sense and reopen transmission. It is important to note that the result of this algorithm depends on the number of access points in the network. Furthermore, the proposed scheme does not degrade the service level.

The transmission time of a jammer depends on the size of its area, the number of affected nodes, and the distance from the central node. Typically, jammers are located near the edge of the network, but may also be inside the network. If outside the network area, it may interfere with the transmission of other nodes. It is possible for wifi jammers to affect multiple networks at the same time, but the maximum interference range is limited.

Detection alarm

While blocking WiFi signals may seem like overkill, there are many tactical applications for this type of device. Wireless security providers are taking steps to counter these attacks by offering devices that send alerts to cell phones when wifi jammers are detected. For example, SimpliSafe uses a proprietary algorithm to separate accidental radio frequency interference from intentional interference. The SimpliSafe app then sends an alert to the user's phone to notify them of disruptive activity. Users can also manually send alerts to remind them.

Wireless home security systems can also be disabled by interfering with the signal. Jamming the cellular signal blocks the signal from the motion sensor, which means burglars can't hear you. The technology has become popular in recent years due to YouTube videos of people interfering with the SimpliSafe system. Using these devices can be dangerous because they can interfere with other systems, such as alarms or WiFi-based smart cameras.