Jammer – the word sounds like something illegal at first. And in fact, it is not always permissible to operate a wifi jammer in order to be able to disable complete WLAN connections, for example. But there are also legal uses.
What is a WLAN jammer?
A jammer will radiate on the same frequency as the signal to be disturbed. However, if the jammer transmits its signal significantly stronger, it makes the original signal unusable – and thus the communication harder or impossible.
In WLAN, this means that the exchange of data packets only works restrictedly or not at all and the actual data stream can no longer be put together correctly. This can be quite a critical issue for devices that perform safety-related tasks.
Jammers are something completely normal in radio technology. As at the beginning of the 20th century, the number of transmitters massively increased, provided machines that were not well shielded for a disruption of the radio signal. But even today, WLAN networks that are transmitting close to each other on the same radio channel are partially obstructing each other. The problem, however, is not so drastic that the complete traffic comes to a standstill.
Application examples for WLAN jammers
Such a WLAN jammer can be used, of course, great to drive the neighbor to despair. Well-functioning WLAN networks can be easily paralyzed with a jammer. This can be a short-term nice fun, but even in private households it can lead to large problems by the use of smart home systems that rely on a functioning WLAN to control. And that not only means the annoyance of the neighbor, also criminal consequences threaten in an illegal operation of a jammer.
But there are also applications in which a WLAN jammer can be a useful thing. The prison would be such a case. Since smartphones can also be converted into Wi-Fi routers, visitors can make Internet access available to everyone within their reach.
Are WLAN jammers legal?
The possession of jammers is not a blanket prohibition. However, the operation is allowed, if at all, only authorities and in special cases. This does not only apply to WLAN jammers (WLAN Jammer), but also to mobile phone or Bluetooth blockers. Casinos and gambling halls have long struggled with the manipulation of slot machines with mobile phones. It would be a legitimate interest for the operators of the casinos to use such a device – as long as no other communication is disturbed outside the building.
It would therefore have many devices are used with the shortest possible range, so that the outside world is not affected by the jammers. This of course drives up the cost.
Where can WLAN jammers be bought?
Since the operation of such WLAN jammers is prohibited in Europe, of course, the sources are sown rare. In German online shops, these are not just so available. In the search for WLAN jammers, there are indeed various online shops that make a serious impression at first glance and come in German.
However, the lyrics are quite bumpy and probably come from an automatic translation program. Also in the search for an address or origin of the shop are rarely information. An imprint with the data of the company can not be found on any of these pages. Our tip: Stay away!
Since the operation of a jammer (whether for wireless or mobile phone signals) in this country is not allowed, the risk is quite high, for his money to get any goods. And getting your money back from a dealer in far-flung countries that does not even have an address on the website should be a hopeless business.
Build WLAN jammer yourself
For electricians with some experience, building a jammer is not a big hurdle. For this purpose, there are certainly instructions in the network. He who seeks finds. Even a small single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi is enough to bring remote-controlled drones from the sky in combination with a pringles box via WLAN. In 2004, a gap would be discovered in the WLAN standard IEE 802.11b. This gap made it possible to disable all Wi-Fi networks in the area with a normal laptop and a WLAN adapter.
But since the use of a homemade WLAN jammer is not legal, we advise at this point both from the purchase as well as the DIY.