Solar radio burst effects on wireless systems

The Sun is capable of producing strong radio emission during times of flaring activity that can directly affect wireless communication and navigation systems without warning. We give some examples of specific effects that have been documented, including increased dropped-call levels on cellular telephone systems and system-wide interference on the Global Positioning System (GPS). To assess the potential and degree of risk presented by radio outbursts from the Sun, we survey what is known about the frequency of occurrence of solar bursts as a function of frequency and time. We show that a firm assessment of risk remains unknown due to lack of complete coverage in the monitoring of solar bursts, but we present some expectations based on current knowledge. We conclude that effects on wireless systems in space are likely to occur, but can be mitigated by considering and accounting for solar burst properties.