Maintaining the reliability and security of communication networks relies heavily on the ability to detect, identify, and locate RF signals. Similarly, in today's dynamic battlefields, it's critical to stay ahead of potential threats using advanced tools. However, with the rapid development of new technologies and the expansion of 4G/5G mobile networks, finding hidden signals and locating interference has become increasingly complex, often requiring heavy lab equipment.
Thankfully, recent technological advancements have led to the development of more efficient and reliable signal detection tools, such as SignalShark from Narda Safety Test Solutions. This one-box solution is designed to cope with the complex RF spectrum, whether you need to perform wideband measurements by sweeping the entire frequency range, eliminate ghost signals to locate hidden signals, or use the Automatic Direction Finding Antenna (ADFA) to pinpoint the source of interference. These innovative real-time signal analysing solutions deliver high performance and cost efficiency, making them ideal for various applications.
High Dynamic Range Receiver: The Epitome of Sensitivity and Accuracy
SignalShark boasts a High Dynamic Range (HDR) receiver, which provides unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy in detecting signals. The HDR receiver has a wide frequency range and can capture signals as low as -169 dBm/Hz. It is capable of detecting signals across a range of frequencies, including those used by mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices. Additionally, the HDR receiver can distinguish between signals and noise, thereby eliminating false positives and improving signal detection accuracy.
Best Interference Hunting Tool in the Market: Tackling Interference with Ease
Interference is a significant challenge in telecommunications, often resulting in poor signal quality and network downtime. With SignalShark and ADFA, interference hunting has never been easier. SignalShark provides fast and accurate interference detection and location. With its HDR receiver, SignalShark can detect even the faintest signals, making it easier to identify and eliminate sources of interference. Moreover, the ADFA provides automatic direction finding, allowing for precise location of the source of interference. This combined signal detection solution is ideal for maintaining mobile networks and monitoring communication at borders, where interference can have severe consequences.
Automatic Direction Finding Antenna: Precise Location even in GPS-Jammed Environments
The ADFA provides precise location of signals, even in GPS-jammed environments. With its advanced algorithms, the ADFA can accurately locate signals in real time, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual direction finding. Together with the Heat Map localization algorithm running directly on SignalShark, the localization results are very reliable even in urban areas with many reflections. This feature makes it ideal for a maritime patrol to identify unauthorised satellite phones, where GPS jamming is common. Furthermore, the ADFA can operate in both single and multi-target scenarios, providing flexibility in signal detection.
Applications of SignalShark and ADFA
Radio Monitoring
One of the primary applications of the SignalShark and ADFA System is radio monitoring and situational awareness. Radio monitoring is a vital technique used to detect and analyse radio frequency signals in the air. It's like having a set of ears that can pick up all kinds of signals, such as radio broadcasts, mobile phone calls, and radar emitters. By monitoring these signals, we can understand what's happening around us and where signals are coming from. This is particularly important in situations where we need to identify potential threats, such as in military operations or border security.
In the past, radio monitoring required fixed and cumbersome equipment that made it challenging to move around and respond quickly to possible threats. However, with the advancements in technology, we now have smaller and more portable tools that we can take with us wherever we go, like the SignalShark and ADFA. Both devices are optimised for size, weight, and power, which makes them suitable for tactical, airborne, shipboard, unmanned aerial vehicle, “leave-behind”, and people-carry solutions. This means we can stay mobile and respond quickly to potential threats.
The SignalShark and ADFA are designed to work even in difficult environments with a lot of noise, such as in dense signal environments. They have a high POI (probability of intercept) which means they can quickly search for and find signals. They are also very good at filtering out unwanted noise and interference, which helps us focus on important signals.
The information we gather from radio monitoring can be used to make informed decisions and stay safe.One way we can use it is to create a picture of the enemy's forces called the Electronic Order of Battle (EOB). This helps us to respond with appropriate measures to stop them. We can also use radio monitoring to keep an eye on communication happening at borders, which helps us to protect our areas and collect intelligence. Radio monitoring is also used for law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and surveillance activities, such as border and maritime security.
Direction Finding and Localization
Direction finding and localization technologies play a critical role in modern communication intelligence and provide valuable insights to various industries and agencies. The ability to determine the direction and location of signals can provide valuable intelligence to military and law enforcement agencies. There are several techniques used for this purpose, like manually using equipment or using machines that can automatically tell us the direction and angle of the signal.
But sometimes we need even more accuracy. For example, we might need to find the exact location of someone in distress or track down a hidden transmitter. That's when we can use advanced instruments like the Signalshark with ADFA. These innovative real-time signal analysing solutions work together to determine the precise location of a signal, using a network of sensors and sophisticated algorithms.
We can use these devices in different places and for different missions. They can be set up in a big building, taken on the go in a small shelter or vehicle, or even used in the air or at sea. They are useful for military operations, like planning how to use communication or finding potential threats. They are also helpful for law enforcement and search and rescue, as well as for surveillance and security, like guarding borders or protecting ships. They offer a powerful means of monitoring communication channels, identifying unauthorised transmissions, and enhancing security in challenging environments.
Jamming/Spoofing
It is important to note that jamming or spoofing signals is illegal and can disrupt communication networks. However, it is crucial for security forces to understand how it can be done so that they can protect against such attacks.
Narda's SignalShark and ADFA can be used to detect and locate jamming or spoofing signals. By identifying the frequency and direction of the interfering signal, security forces can take necessary action to prevent or stop the attack. Furthermore, the ADFA can provide additional information about the signal's type and origin, aiding in identifying the perpetrator.
In addition, SignalShark and ADFA can be used to spoof signals themselves for defensive purposes. By transmitting false signals, they can create confusion for potential attackers and provide a false impression of their location or actions. However, this technique requires careful consideration to ensure that it does not interfere with legitimate communication or cause any harm.
Conclusion
SignalShark is ready for the future and can be optimally adapted to the widest variety of applications. This cutting-edge real-time spectrum monitoring tool, combined with the Automatic Direction Finding Antenna (ADFA), offers outstanding sensitivity and accuracy in detecting identifying, and locating RF signals, making it the preferred choice for a range of applications, including radio monitoring, situational awareness, interference hunting, and direction finding and localization. It's especially valuable in industries that require precise signal detection capabilities, such as in telecommunications, border security, and maritime patrol, where it provides unparalleled performance and cost efficiency. With SignalShark and ADFA, you're getting an exceptional asset that's ready to meet the demands of the future.