Jamming is a technique used to disrupt wireless communications by overwhelming the signal with interference. This blog post explores the concept of jamming using Flipper Zero, how it works, its applications, and the legal considerations surrounding its use. Jamming can now be performed by Flipper Zero with an external nRF24 module targeting 2.4GHz band.
What is Jamming?
Jamming involves broadcasting a strong signal that overrides or obscures the target signal. This interference prevents the target devices from communicating effectively, leading to a loss of connectivity. Jamming can affect various types of wireless communications, including Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
How Does Jamming Work?
Jamming works by emitting noise or signals on the same frequency as the target communication. This noise can be continuous or intermittent, depending on the jammer’s design and purpose. The key is to create enough interference to disrupt the normal operation of the target devices.
Difference Between Jamming and Deauthentication
Both jamming and deauthentication attacks are methods used to disrupt wireless communications, but they operate differently and target different aspects of wireless networks. Jamming affects all devices operating within the targeted frequency range. For example, a jammer targeting the 2.4 GHz band will disrupt Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other devices using that band. Deauthentication attacks exploit a feature of the IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) protocol. Attackers send deauthentication frames to a target device, instructing it to disconnect from the network. This attack specifically targets Wi-Fi devices, causing them to disconnect from their access points. It does not create broad-spectrum interference like jamming. To summarize it, jamming can target any wireless communication within its range, while deauthentication specifically targets Wi-Fi networks.
Flipper Zero jamming using built-in radio or CC1101 module
The Flipper Zero RF Jammer is an application designed to turn Flipper Zero into a powerful radio frequency jammer. Created by RocketGod, this tool allows users to disrupt communications across multiple frequency bands and modulation schemes. It is particularly useful for security testing, educational demonstrations, and hobby projects.
The Flipper Zero RF Jammer can cover a wide range of frequencies, making it a versatile tool for various applications. The supported frequency bands are:
- Band 1: 300 MHz – 348 MHz
- Band 2: 387 MHz – 464 MHz
- Band 3: 779 MHz – 928 MHz
These bands affect many common communication frequencies, including those used by remote controls, garage door openers, and other sub-GHz devices.
Flipper Zero wireless 2.4GHz Jammer
Using Wi-Fi developer board allows user to start deauthentication attack on Wi-Fi networks, however, it couldn’t enable jamming.
To make jamming work, it is necessary to run the latest Unleashed firmware and install external NRF_jammer app developed by Gabi. This app allows to run three modes of jamming such as full, wide, and narrow. Full will scan 128, wide preselected 24 and narrow three channels, see code snippet below.
In the video below is a demonstration of this app against Bluetooth speaker and Wi-Fi connection in controlled environment.
Legal Application of Jamming
One of possible practical use case scenario of jamming is in military to disrupt enemy communications, prevent remote detonation of explosives, disable remote-controlled devices, disconnect wireless security cameras, control the use of drones, etc.
Legal Considerations
It’s important to note that the use of jammers is regulated in many countries. Jamming devices can interfere with legitimate communications and may be illegal to use outside of controlled environments. Always check local regulations before using jammer to ensure compliance with the law.