WiFi jammers disrupt surrounding radio communications

Blevins Brian April 01, 2021 10:30

A WiFi jammer is a radio transmitter designed to interfere with, disrupt or block radio communication signals or services. Usually, it works by emitting a louder sound than the useful signal on the target frequency band. Then, the receiver no longer detects useful signals.

The range of actions of the disruptor is usually beyond people’s imagination or the seller’s suggestion. Users are often overwhelmed by the range of the device, and the range of the device will never be limited to a small space, such as a room or a vehicle! For example, a WiFi Jammer used in classrooms to prevent students from using laptops would destroy cell phones in the entire community! Similarly, GPS jammers used by employees who want to stop geolocation by their employers may interfere with aircraft flying at 2000 m or parked at 500 m. The use of jammers constitutes deliberate and annoying destruction of the radio spectrum.

There are several types of signal jammers, depending on whether they interfere:

Mobile phones and Internet: GSM, UMTS, LTE;
Other wireless transmission networks: WiFi, wireless local area network RLAN, WiMax;
Receive applications such as satellite geolocation signals (GPS, Galileo...), cameras or wireless alarms...

Radio WiFi jammers usually take the form of an electronic box equipped with one or more small antennas, depending on the number of frequency bands it may interfere with. In the latter case, it is regarded as multi-band.

What does the law say?
It purely and simply prohibits radio interference: import, advertising, free or expensive transfer, put into circulation, installation, possession and use (Article L.33-1 of the Post and Telecommunications Law). The maximum sentence is six months’ imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 Euros (Article L. 39-1 of the Postal and Electronic Communications Act). Authorized and sworn-in ANFR agents can search for and record these infringements and draft reports. They can also charge a flat tax of 450 euros on intervention costs in accordance with Article 45, paragraph 2, of the 1987 Finance Act, as amended.