Cell Phone Jammers: How Do They Work?

Cell phones are a part of modern life.

Gone are the days of the simple landline. There are more cell phones than ever – and the numbers continue to rise.

In fact, there are estimated to be 7.22 billion cell phones in comparison to 7.19 billion people on Earth. That means there are more cell phones than people in this world.

The ubiquity of cell phones means there are a lot of unwanted phone calls.

There are several methods of handling calls you don’t want. You can always silence your phone or set it to vibrate.

But sometimes that doesn’t go far enough. Fortunately, cell phone jammers exist.

They are an effective way to block incoming calls from anywhere. Are you wondering how they work? Read on for a complete guide on how they function.

What are Cell Phone Jammers?

Blocking single callers can be an annoying time waster. Cell phone jammers remove that annoyance by blocking all incoming calls at once.

This process might seem complicated but it’s actually fairly simple. They release a signal that is at the same frequency as a cell phone’s signal. The jammer then broadcasts that signal out to the world. If it’s successful, cell phones will no longer receive signals in a particular location.

There are several reasons people use jammers. Business owners may want to block their employee’s cell signals to prevent workplace distractions or interruptions during meetings.

Jammers also prevent cell phones from sending outgoing information. People might use a jammer as a safeguard against sensitive information leaking. It’s also been a useful method for blocking signals to prevent terrorist attacks.

People also like using jammers because they give an “out of service” message instead of a “phone is off” message. This makes the cell phone owner seem unreachable to a caller. There are a number of different devices available that can jam calls just like that.

How does a Cell Phone Jammer Work?

It might be hard to follow this process without first understanding cell phone signals.

Cell phones work by sending signals to cell phone towers. The cell tower that receives the signal depends on the cell phone’s location.

Cell towers divide their workload by honing in on specific areas. So when you travel with your cell phone, your cell phone sends signals to different towers.

The jamming device works by sending radio frequencies to the same tower. It will overpower the cell phone signal by mimicking your cell phone.

Basically, it sends out a signal that is the same frequency as your phone. This signal is powerful enough to outmuscle your phone’s signal.

The jamming device’s signal and your cell phone signal eventually collide. This process causes a lapse in communication between the cell phone and the cell phone tower.

What is the Range of a Cell Phone Jammer?

This depends on the output power of the unit.  Small, pocket phone blockers are typically very weak and can only block 20-30 feet, while a very powerful military grade jammer can block signals up to a quarter mile or more.  The output power, measured in Watts, is typically a good unit of measure to determine how powerful the jammer and it’s coverage are.

Different Types

Cell phone jammers are just like any device. They vary greatly in their capabilities depending on the make and model.

Basic jammers only block one of the cell phone’s two frequencies. This works because it fools the phone. The phone basically thinks it doesn’t have service because it is only receiving one frequency.

More advanced models block more than just one frequency. Some jamming devices can block multiple frequencies at once and can even be tuned to match an exact frequency.

Most modern cell phones are affected by a cell phone jammer. But you might want to invest in a more advanced model of the jammer.

Advanced models are a good investment if you have a dual or tri-mode phone that switches between networks.

Parts to Know

Cell phone jammers are like cell phones in that they differ by make and model. Some rely on a simple switch while advanced models require a manual change in frequency.

While every model is different, there are some universal parts to cell phone jamming devices.

The most important parts to know are the components of the RF section. This is the most pivotal part of the device because it communicates with the cell phone.

The first part of the RF section is the antenna. This is what sends the signal out into the world.

Antennas can be either external or located inside the device depending on the make and model. On more advanced models, they can be manually adjusted to match certain frequencies.

The next part of the RF section is the power supply. This is the area that powers the entire device.

Some cell phone jammers are powered by batteries. These are smaller looking batteries that closely resemble your cell phone’s battery.

More advanced jammers are powered via a central system. Even others can be plugged into a wall outlet.

The final part of the RF section is the voltage controlled oscillator. This is one of the most important pieces because it generates the signal.

The RF amplification is the thing that increases the power of the signal to actually block your cell phone’s signal. While there are other parts that make up this device, these parts play the most important role.

Uses

How do you know that cell phone jammers are reliable? They’re used by some of the most advanced law enforcement teams in the world.

They were used in many counter-terrorism efforts in the early 2000s in order to block communications between cell phones and trigger explosives. Police forces also use them to hinder communication between criminals.

Jamming devices are also used by civilians.

The average adult cell phone owner makes and receives around 5 voice calls a day. That means there are a lot of people receiving unsolicited phone calls. Casual cell phone owners may want to block calls for a variety of reasons.

Silence is golden in certain places. People in libraries, theaters, schools, hospitals, meetings or government offices may benefit from a cell phone jammer.

However, using one in a public place can be dangerous. They can block emergency signals or important police calls. This can leave the jammer liable for any disturbance or legal ramifications that may come.

The Next Steps

Cell phone jammers are not as complicated as they may seem.

Now that you know how they work, it’s time to start looking for the right jamming device for you. Before choosing, please make sure to review your local regulations before using one.

Should you require additional information to help make an informed purchase, please feel free to contact us.