Wi-Fi Jamming Using Software Defined Radio

Abstract

Abstract In this article we present software defined radio (SDR) instrumentation used for interfering or jamming Wi-Fi networks. A Wi-Fi network analyzer application was used together with a low cost, commercially available SDR, Hack RF one, to conduct aimed interference on a 802.11 b/g/n network. A GNU radio flowchart was used to control the radio transceiver (SDR) by emitting a jamming signal aimed towards the targeted client by means of a directional antenna. Various signal bandwidths and distance from the targeted device were tested to characterize the adequate parameters of an effective jamming signal with respect to the calculated signal to noise ratio (SNR). Jamming efficiency was evaluated by means of a Wi-Fi connectivity speed test application installed on the targeted device, in order to measure connectivity degradation if complete jamming was not possible. Results presented suggest that Wi-Fi jamming is possible by means of SDR technology, providing insights on the methodology used and initial optimisation procedures in the test environment.