Drone + VPN - does it work?

Topic is for speculation only. I've searched other threads for this and didn't find much. My question is: Could someone, theoretically fly a drone with a camera remotely utilizing a VPN to mask the signal from the remote? I have no idea about either and don't plan to do this.

Remote Drone Flight

a reply to: NightVision

Of course.

a reply to: NightVision

I'm not drone tech savvy, but ATS member Triton1128 would most likely know.

Here's his last thread

www.abovetopsecret.com...

originally posted by: ForteanOrg
a reply to: NightVision

Of course.

Ok, so.....Area 51....


..theoretically....?

live streaming cam broadcasts back to an unknown location?

Again, not recommending this.

originally posted by: NightVision

originally posted by: ForteanOrg
a reply to: NightVision

Of course.

Ok, so.....Area 51....


..theoretically....?

live streaming cam broadcasts back to an unknown location?

Again, not recommending this.

Streamed how? There is no cell service in the area. Trust me, I have analyzed cell coverage.
Just a reminder - flying a drone in restricted airspace is a no-no.

a reply to: NightVision

Hey there,
I fly Drones full time for work.
I've designed, test flown, and assisted in the development of quite a few Drones.

Consumer Drones broadcast over 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz.
The majority of high end consumer level Drones (DJI) Can fly via GPS or over WiFi.
If the drone is bought from DJI, the owner will be traced via GPS and registration.

If the drone is custom built, then yes, there are ways to spoof external tracking.

One is excluding the GPS and flying by streamed line of sight.

Another way could be a one way trip.
Have a GPS and upload the coordinates of A51 as a way point.
The drone will head there and hover, broadcasting the video the entire time.
The person could then hide himself behind a VPN to live rebroadcast the video.
But theoretically, the pilot will have to be fairly close to A51 to power on and send the drone up.

My fixed wing drone has a 90 km range.
It also cost $10,000. That's quite the price tag to be risking.
Newer Consumer level Drones have a 8 km range.

I'd also imagine Area 51 would have drone sensors and active measures against them.

originally posted by: FosterVS

originally posted by: NightVision

originally posted by: ForteanOrg
a reply to: NightVision

Of course.

Ok, so.....Area 51....


..theoretically....?

live streaming cam broadcasts back to an unknown location?

Again, not recommending this.

Streamed how? There is no cell service in the area. Trust me, I have analyzed cell coverage.
Just a reminder - flying a drone in restricted airspace is a no-no.

well that just ended the whole thread, unless the drone has a satellite connection, only if you are Tony Stark or Elon Musk

I really doubt that there aren't signal jammers all over the place...besides VPN company would be simply asked to hand over the user data if they wouldn't trace it themselves.

originally posted by: KiwiNite
I really doubt that there aren't signal jammers all over the place...besides VPN company would be simply asked to hand over the user data if they wouldn't trace it themselves.

You'd have to spoof the user data. Improbable. but not impossible.

a reply to: Macenroe82

That's so cool.

originally posted by: Macenroe82
a reply to: NightVision
Hey there,
I fly Drones full time for work.
I've designed, test flown, and assisted in the development of quite a few Drones.

"I fly Drones full time for work" - just talking/theorizing about this on a public forum probably isn't a good idea then, IMO.

Couple of points:
1) there is no cell service or WIFI on the northern border of the NTTR/Area 51, so a "VPN" is a moot point
2) I can confirm from experience they have jammer(s) there, for the frequency most drones use, 2.4 and 5GHz
3) the military also has GPS jammers, confirmed again from experience
4) 2 & 3 make flying a way-point flight path impossible
5) DJI manufacturers a unit for law enforcement/etc. that not only can read the registration off a drone in flight, the operator can take over and either crash or confiscate your drone

Just a reminder, that this is all theoretical. Anyone who attempted it would likely be facing some hard time in federal prison. I was lucky just to have my drone confiscated for what I did - it could have been MUCH worse. PLEASE don't attempt anything like this.

a reply to: FosterVS

Dumb, but interesting question:

What if you programmed a robot to fly the drone?

I'm laughing as I type this but you guys have a good bit real-time experience and I do appreciate the time and thought you all are putting into this thread.