Dual-Band Adaptive GPS Antennas for Real-Time

Spoofing Mitigation

Abstract— Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are defenseless, especially in environments where interference is
increasingly susceptible to spoofing attacks and interference, prevalent [1].
jeopardizing their accuracy and reliability. Conventional single- While the research community has proposed various
element GPS receivers lack the spatial filtering capabilities to mitigation techniques, a significant gap persists in designing
differentiate legitimate signals from counterfeit ones, making
them vulnerable in high-interference environments. This study
systems that are both robust and practical for real-time
proposes a dual-band adaptive GPS antenna system that applications. Single-antenna solutions, for example, can
integrates an 11×11 Uniform Rectangular Array (URA) with the detect spoofing by analyzing signal anomalies, but their
Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) effectiveness diminishes when authentic and spoofed signals
beamforming algorithm to address these vulnerabilities. coexist. Multi-antenna setups offer better spatial filtering and
Operating at GPS L1 (1.57542 GHz) and L2 (1.2276 GHz) signal discrimination, but they come with added complexity
frequencies, the system enhances resilience by suppressing and cost [2]. Furthermore, modern spoofing techniques are
narrowband interference and spoofed signals dynamically. becoming increasingly sophisticated, employing strategies
MATLAB simulations demonstrate improvements in signal-to- such as intermediate spoofing, where counterfeit signals
noise ratio (SNR) by up to 25 dB, null depths exceeding -30 dB,
and real-time spoofing detection within 0.1 seconds. Radiation
closely mimic authentic ones, making them even harder to
pattern analysis confirms the system’s ability to focus on detect [3].
authentic satellite signals while nullifying malicious Phased array antennas and beamforming algorithms have
interference. This scalable and computationally efficient design emerged as promising solutions, offering the ability to
bridges critical gaps in GPS security, offering enhanced dynamically steer beams toward legitimate GPS signals while
reliability for applications in aviation, autonomous navigation, nullifying interference from spoofed sources. Among these,
and defense, where precision is essential. the Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR)
Index Terms— GPS, GPS spoofing, adaptive beam steering, algorithm has shown particular promise due to its adaptability
dual-band, phased array antenna, MVDR beamforming, real-time in real-time scenarios. However, prior studies highlight the
spoofing mitigation, signal integrity, precision navigation. challenges of scaling these systems for dual-band operation
without increasing computational complexity. Additionally,
I. INTRODUCTION while larger antenna arrays like 16×16 configurations provide
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is at the excellent spatial resolution, they are often impractical for
heart of countless modern applications, from guiding aircraft cost-sensitive or portable applications [4].
and ships safely to their destinations to powering navigation This research addresses these challenges by introducing a
in smartphones and autonomous vehicles. Its ubiquitous dual-band adaptive GPS antenna system leveraging an 11×11
presence has revolutionized how we interact with the world, Uniform Rectangular Array (URA). The dual-band
providing precise location and timing information that is vital configuration, operating at GPS L1 (1.57542 GHz) and L2
for both civilian and military purposes. However, as GPS has (1.2276 GHz) frequencies, enhances robustness against
become more integrated into critical infrastructure and daily narrowband interference, while maintaining adaptability to
life, its vulnerabilities have grown increasingly apparent. real-time conditions. By integrating the MVDR beamforming
Among the most pressing threats are spoofing attacks and algorithm, the proposed system achieves precise beam
interference, which can disrupt navigation and endanger steering and interference suppression. This design strikes a
lives. In an era of rising dependency on reliable positioning balance between performance and feasibility, providing null
systems, addressing these challenges has become paramount. depths exceeding -30 dB and improving signal-to-noise ratio
Spoofing, a deliberate attack where counterfeit GPS (SNR) by up to 25 dB, as validated through MATLAB
signals are transmitted to deceive receivers, represents one of simulations. Furthermore, the system demonstrates rapid
the gravest risks to GPS security. For instance, a spoofed spoofing detection within 0.1 seconds, showcasing its
signal can mislead an aircraft’s navigation system, potentially potential for real-world applications.
causing a catastrophic incident. Despite its dangers, spoofing This work represents a meaningful advancement in the
can be executed relatively easily using low-cost, readily field of GPS security, addressing critical gaps in existing
available hardware. Traditional GPS receivers, particularly research by offering a scalable, efficient and robust solution
those relying on single-element antennas, are ill-equipped to to interference and spoofing. The findings underscore the
counter this threat. Their inability to spatially differentiate potential for real-world applications in aviation, autonomous
between legitimate and spoofed signals leaves them navigation and other critical systems.
 II. MATERIALS AND METHOD 5) Number of Elements: 121
6) Radiation Pattern: Directional.
A. Satellite Constellation
For the simulation of the GPS environment, a standard The phased array configuration allows for adaptive beam
satellite constellation was used, consistent with the Global steering, where the radiation pattern can be dynamically
Positioning System. The GPS constellation consists of 24 adjusted to focus on legitimate GPS signals while nulling
satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately unwanted signals, such as those from spoofers. [5]
20,200 km, completing one orbit every 12 hours. This means
that each satellite completes two full orbits per day. At any
given time, at least 8 satellites are visible from most locations
on Earth, ensuring consistent coverage. In this study, the
visibility and arrangement of satellites were modeled to
simulate real-world GPS reception conditions, as shown in
Fig 1. This satellite model provides the foundation for testing
the performance of the proposed adaptive antenna system. By
simulating different satellite positions and signal paths, the
system’s ability to detect and mitigate spoofing under realistic
conditions can be accurately assessed.

Fig. 1. Satellite Constellation

B. Antenna Design
The core component of this study is the design of a dual-
band phased array antenna, specifically chosen for its ability
to enhance signal reception while rejecting interference. The
choice of an 11×11 Uniform Rectangular Array (URA) with
dual-band operation is motivated by its ability to achieve high
spatial resolution and interference suppression [3]. The
configuration of 121 elements provides a fine granularity for
beam steering and null placement, allowing the system to
focus precisely on legitimate GPS signals while rejecting
spoofed signals. This design balances compactness and Fig 2. Patch Antenna Radiation Pattern and Gain
performance, as larger arrays may increase computational Fig 2 illustrates the layout of the 11×11 URA, showing
complexity and cost, while smaller arrays may compromise the isotropic arrangement of elements for uniform coverage.
spatial filtering capabilities. The dual-band operation By incorporating dual-band patch elements, the system can
enhances robustness against narrowband interference, simultaneously process signals at L1 and L2 frequencies,
addressing vulnerabilities at both L1 (1.57542 GHz) and L2 improving robustness against narrow-band interference.
(1.2276 GHz) frequencies. A URA was used, consisting of 11
x 11 patch antennas, with each element spaced at half the C. Propagation Model
wavelength (λ/2) of the GPS L1 frequency (1.57542 GHz). i) The free-space propagation model was used to
This design was selected because of its directional properties, simulate the signal path from GPS satellites to the receiver.
which are well-suited to beamforming applications. This model assumes line-of-sight (LOS) communication
between the satellites and the GPS receiver, with signal
1) Antenna Type: Microstrip patch antennas
strength diminishing as a function of the distance between the
2) Frequency: GPS L1 frequency (1.57542 GHz) and
transmitter (satellite) and the receiver (GPS antenna). This
GPS L2 frequency (1.2276 GHz)
propagation loss is calculated using the free-space path loss
3) Spacing: λ/2 (half-wavelength)
formula:
4) Element Gain: 5 dBi
 4𝜋𝑑 simulated at specific angles relative to the authentic GPS
𝑃𝐿 = 20𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (𝑑)20𝑙𝑜𝑔10 ( )
 signals. Fig 4 shows the Radiation Pattern after applying
Beam Steering Algorithm.
where PL is the path loss in decibels (dB), d is the distance
from the satellite to the receiver and  is the wavelength of
the GPS signal.

Fig 3. Free-space propagation and signal decay over distance

ii) Multipath Interference: In real-world GPS

environments, signal reflections from buildings, terrain, or
other obstacles can result in multipath interference, where the
GPS receiver simultaneously receives both direct and
reflected signals. This interference can degrade signal
accuracy. To mitigate this, the proposed system uses null-
steering beamforming, which dynamically adjusts the
antenna radiation pattern to suppress multipath signals. Fig 3
illustrates the signal decay and path loss as the distance from
the satellite increases
D. Minimum Variance Distortion less Response (MVDR)
The Minimum Variance Distortionless Response
(MVDR) algorithm is central to the adaptive beamforming
approach used in this research. MVDR is designed to Fig. 4. Adaptive Beam Steering Using MVDR Algorithm
maximize signal reception from the desired direction (i.e.,
legitimate GPS satellites) while minimizing interference from III. RESULTS
unwanted sources (i.e., spoofed signals) [4]. The
The performance of the proposed dual-band adaptive GPS
beamforming algorithm works by calculating optimal weights
antenna system was evaluated using MATLAB simulations,
for each antenna element, allowing the system to dynamically
focusing on three critical aspects: beam steering performance,
adjust its radiation pattern. By continuously updating the
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement, and real-time
weight vector based on incoming signal data, the system is
spoofing detection capabilities. These results demonstrate the
able to maintain a high-gain beam in the direction of the
system's ability to mitigate spoofing attacks in real-time,
legitimate GPS signals while suppressing interference from
making it a robust solution for secure and precise navigation.
other directions. The MVDR algorithm optimizes the weight
vector as follows: A. Beam Steering Performance
𝑅−1 𝑎(𝜃) The 11×11 Uniform Rectangular Array (URA) was
𝜔𝑜𝑝𝑡 =
𝑎(𝜃)𝐻 𝑅−1 𝑎(𝜃) designed to dynamically adapt its radiation pattern to focus
where: on legitimate GPS signals while suppressing spoofed signals.
• 𝑅 is the covariance matrix of the received signals, Before applying the beamforming algorithm, the antenna
• 𝑎(𝜃) is the steering vector toward the desired exhibited an omnidirectional radiation pattern, as shown in
direction, Fig. 5, making it equally susceptible to both legitimate and
• 𝜔𝑜𝑝𝑡 is the vector of optimal weights spoofed signals. This limitation is typical of conventional
GPS systems, where lack of spatial filtering leads to
interference vulnerability.
The system was simulated using MATLAB with a 11 x 11
antenna array. MATLAB's phased array toolbox was used to After applying the Minimum Variance Distortionless
model the GPS signal environment, with spoofed signals Response (MVDR) beamforming algorithm, the radiation
pattern adjusted dynamically, directing the main lobe toward scenarios with no spoofing, single spoofing sources, and
the legitimate GPS satellite (45°) and creating nulls at the multiple spoofing sources.
spoofed signal's direction (30°). The resulting radiation TABLE I: SNR BEFORE AND AFTER BEAMFORMING
pattern is shown in Fig. 6, highlighting the system's ability to Parameter Before After
prioritize authentic signals while nullifying spoofed ones. Mitigation Mitigation
This adaptive capability is essential for real-time spoofing
No Spoofing 15 dB 40 dB
mitigation and represents a significant improvement over
static systems that lack such precision [5]. Single Spoofing Source 10 dB 35 dB
Multiple Spoofing Sources 5 dB 30 dB

These results underscore the effectiveness of the system

in maintaining high signal quality even under complex
interference scenarios. The ability to achieve such SNR
improvements with an 11×11 URA configuration also
demonstrates its balance between performance and
feasibility, avoiding the computational overhead of larger
arrays like 16×16 configurations [6].
C. Real-Time Spoofing Detection and Mitigation
One of the standout features of the proposed system is its
ability to detect and mitigate spoofing in real time. The
MVDR algorithm enables rapid adjustment of the radiation
pattern, suppressing spoofed signals within 0.1 seconds of
detection. This capability ensures that GPS receivers maintain
reliable communication with legitimate satellites without
significant interruptions. Fig. 7 illustrates how the system
dynamically reconfigures its radiation pattern in response to
spoofing, maintaining high gain toward legitimate signals
while suppressing spoofed signals with null depths exceeding
-30 dB [3].
Fig 5. Radiation Pattern Before Beamforming
This real-time adaptability represents a critical
advancement over traditional systems that often rely on static
null steering or post-event analysis, which are insufficient for
dynamic environments. The proposed system’s ability to
achieve precise beamforming in less than a second makes it
particularly suitable for time-sensitive applications like
aviation and autonomous navigation.

Fig 6. Radiation Pattern After Beamforming

B. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) Improvement

Improving the SNR is critical for maintaining GPS signal
Fig 7. SNR Improvement After Spoofing Mitigation
integrity, especially in environments with interference. The
proposed system significantly enhances SNR by dynamically The performance of the proposed 11×11 URA
adjusting beam patterns to suppress noise and interference. configuration was compared against smaller (8×8) and larger
The simulation results summarized in Table I demonstrate an (16×16) array configurations to understand its trade-offs. As
average SNR improvement of 25 dB after applying the shown in Table 2, while the 16×16 URA achieved the best
MVDR algorithm. This improvement is observed across null depths and SNR improvements, it required significantly
higher computational resources and longer response times.
Conversely, the 8×8 URA, though computationally efficient,
struggled to suppress interference effectively, with null the adaptive beamforming algorithm enables precise
depths limited to -20 dB and a maximum SNR improvement suppression of spoofed signals and dynamic interference
of 15 dB. The 11×11 URA emerged as the optimal mitigation. MATLAB simulations validate the system’s
configuration, balancing performance and scalability. This effectiveness, demonstrating a substantial 25 dB
comparison highlights how the 11×11 URA achieves improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), null depths
significant performance gains while maintaining practical exceeding -30 dB, and real-time spoofing detection within 0.1
feasibility for real-world deployment [4]. seconds. These results underscore the system’s potential for
TABLE II: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ANTENNA CONFIGURATION
secure and reliable navigation in critical applications such as
aviation, autonomous vehicles and defense. However, future
Configuration Null SNR Response Complexity
Depth Improve Time (s)
research should focus on real-world hardware
(dB) ment implementation, optimizing energy efficiency for mobile
(dB) platforms and enhancing the system's robustness in multipath
8×8 URA -20 15 0.15 Low environments like urban areas. This work establishes a
foundation for next-generation GPS security, combining
11×11 URA -30 25 0.10 Moderate
scalability, efficiency and adaptability to meet the challenges
16×16 URA -40 35 0.08 High of modern navigation systems.
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