We did not have time to notice how satellite tracking systems, geolocation technologies have already relentlessly entered our lives and taken root in it. Almost all modern gadgets are crammed with GPS navigators. They are followed by other popular devices such as trackers, tracking beacons, phone monitoring systems, and so on. It no longer surprises anyone that a car with the appropriate equipment built in can be easily detected using tracking systems.
Convenience or danger?
On the one hand, it brings additional convenience to people. For example, by sending a letter or parcel by mail, you can find out exactly where your message is at any time. For this, a tracking system for shipments is used. By going to the site on the Internet and dialing a unique assigned number, you will receive all the information about the path of the letter or parcel.
On the other hand, such an ever-increasing total control cannot but cause anxiety among people who care about the privacy of their personal lives. Communication in social networks, e-mail correspondence, conversations on such convenient services as Skype, WhatsApp and others, along with convenience and accessibility, unfortunately, carry a great danger for people in the future.
Let's consider some tracking systems and the general principle of their operation.
GPS
GPS is an American global positioning system operated by the US Department of Defense. It consists of thirty-two satellites located in space around the Earth. They are controlled by special stations. The system controls various gadgets and other electronic devices that users have, through which tracking is carried out.
Initially, the project was aimed at achieving military goals. But gradually part of it was reoriented to civilians.
GLONASS
This is a domestic car tracking system, which is aimed at providing emergency assistance in the event of a traffic accident. It has been operational since the beginning of 2015. The devices are already installed at the factory on new domestic cars. And in the future, all vehicles will have to have this equipment. In the coming years, the European vehicle tracking system eCall will also start working. Thus, the monopoly of the United States with its GPS is gradually being lost.
Trackers, beacons and more
In addition to the car tracking systems already under government guidance and almost mandatory, there aremany other devices that function thanks to the satellite system. Of course, their work is captured and recorded in long-term memory. But civilians, pursuing their own interests, acquire such means to achieve personal goals. It can be caring for loved ones and their property. But some use the tracking systems for illegal purposes as well.
What are they for?
For example, for offices and shopping centers. Here, such devices have long become indispensable security equipment. They are also successfully installed in the country or in the house. If an intruder enters the premises, he will be caught faster than he can escape. A silent alarm system will go off, and the security company will be required to respond to the signal.
Trackers are inserted into the collars of your favorite pets so as not to be afraid that they will run away too far and get lost. There are devices for tracking children. And the car tracking systems mentioned above have obvious advantages. They notify services in case of an accident, and the driver, for example, about a future traffic jam. In addition, they provide other useful information.
Jammers
However, not everyone likes this state of affairs, when people become controlled in all their movements. Therefore, along with tracking devices, so-called jammers, or "jammers" of automatic tracking systems are rapidly gaining popularity.
The principle of operation of such devices is aimed at creating interference for the satellite system. To date, you can find many such devices. Domestic craftsmen often make such designs on their own. It is said that anyone who understands at least a little in radio engineering will not be difficult to build a similar device.
It is known that experiments were carried out in the German laboratory, where the effectiveness of these devices was tested. And it was proven that the satellite tracking system was useless when using a well-made jammer. This gives hope to those who do not wish to be constantly controlled. But if the "jammer" is installed in the car, then it will become illegal. And if it is possible to calculate the attacker, he will have to bear responsibility.
Experimental results have shown that "jammers" apply not only to one car, but also interfere with many other vehicles that are around. Therefore, mechanisms are being actively developed to identify such devices.
Who will emerge victorious in this fight: those who implement the satellite tracking system, or those who create such devices for their illegal sale and subsequent use? People have to choose: to enjoy the new blessings of civilization or to defend their ancestral rights.
