The new BlueSkyTM GNSS Firewall protects already deployed GPS systems by providing a cost-effective overlay solution installed between existing GNSS antennas and GPS systems, according to the manufacturer Microsemi. Similar to a network firewall, the BlueSky GNSS Firewall protects systems inside the firewall from untrusted sky-based signals outside the firewall.
This protection is important as the vulnerability of GPS systems to various signal incidents is well documented. The rapid proliferation of GPS systems has embedded these vulnerabilities into critical national infrastructure as well as corporate infrastructures that rely on GPS-delivered position, navigation and timing (PNT) for daily operations.
The widespread deployment of GPS makes it impractical to replace all fielded GPS systems in a timely or cost-effective manner. That’s why Microsemi provides a portfolio of technologies, products, and services designed to enable operators of Critical Infrastructure to construct a secure and robust PNT network that is resilient to GPS errors as well as errors coming from other sky-based delivery channels such as Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and others.
Identifies and Protects GPS Systems from Spoofing and Jamming
Contained within the BlueSky GNSS Firewall is a software engine that analyzes the GPS signal. GPS signal data is received and evaluated from each satellite to ensure compliance along with analyzing received signal characteristics.
Integrates seamlessly between existing GPS Antenna and GPS system
Microsemi’s BlueSky GNSS Firewall is deployed in-line between an existing GPS antenna and GPS receiver system and can be placed near the GPS receiver system or near the point at which the GPS antenna cable enters the building. Thus, nearly all currently deployed GPS antennas are supported without modifying the existing installation.
Optional Rubidium MAC (Miniature Atomic Clock) for enhanced threat detection and holdover
Upgrading the BlueSky GNSS Firewall with the MAC enhances anomalous GPS detection capabilities while also extending holdover performance of the hardened GPS signal output for multiple days.
BlueSky Performance Monitoring
Integrated within TimePictra, BlueSky Performance Monitoring enables visibility of GPS reception parameters across a wide-scale deployment of BlueSky GNSS Firewalls. GPS signal measurements such as GPS phase deviation, GPS satellites in view, and GPS signal strength can be plotted for selected time periods. This aids critical infrastructure operations to more quickly identify and isolate GPS incidents.
