GNSS RFI Detection and Impact Characterization in Various Interference Environments Using Low-Cost Receivers

The Global Satellite Navigation System (GNSS) is essential for various industries, especially for safety-critical applications like aviation. However, GNSS signals are vulnerable to radio frequency interference (RFI), which can disrupt positioning accuracy and system functionality. This paper presents the development of a low-cost GNSS RFI monitoring system by the Stanford GPS Laboratory, designed to monitor the interference environment of critical infrastructures such as airports and ports. It consists of three main parts, first introducing the detection and characterization methodology and its validation through over the air experiments. The data collection campaign from the five locations across the world is then presented, followed by the characterization and categorization of the different interference events observed. The events are used to develop a framework and build an RFI categorization database. This will allow the utilization of further locations to increase the characterization accuracy.