Cognitive Radio–Based Ionospheric Scintillation Detection: A Low-Cost Framework for GNSS Detection and Monitoring in Equatorial Regions

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are highly affected in equatorial regions, especially due to the formation of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs), which cause disturbances in the ionosphere resulting in different forms of signal degradation. Despite Colombia's privileged geographic position, its limited monitoring infrastructure hinders the detection and mitigation of these effects. This study proposes the development of a Low-Cost Scintillation Laboratory (LCSL) using a cognitive radio-based approach for real-time scintillation monitoring, aimed at improving GNSS reliability. The system was designed following a Systems Engineering methodology, defining functional architectures and constraints. A communication system model was developed to account for EPBs' effects on GNSS signals, while cognitive radio algorithms within a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) framework enabled real-time detection, monitoring, and alert generation. To implement this approach, monitoring stations were deployed in Bogotá, Cartagena, and Santa Marta utilized low-cost GNSS receivers integrated with Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for the automatic classification of scintillation events. Additionally, the system's accuracy was validated by comparing experimental data with historical records from the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP). The results demonstrated that the integration of cognitive radio and ML-based detection enhanced precision and adaptability compared to traditional methods. The network of monitoring stations effectively validated the system's performance, providing valuable insights into equatorial ionospheric dynamics. This study contributes to the advancement of monitoring methodologies and highlights the importance of accessible infrastructure for mitigating EPB effects on GNSS, ultimately fostering more resilient navigation and communication systems.