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IonoNet: a European network of oblique ionosondes.

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Title: IonoNet: a European network of oblique ionosondes.
Authors: Zirizzotti, Achille1 (AUTHOR) achille.zirizzotti@ingv.it, Sciacca, Umberto1 (AUTHOR) umberto.sciacca@ingv.it, Zuccheretti, Enrico1 (AUTHOR) enrico.zuccheretti@ingv.it, Scotto, Carlo1 (AUTHOR) carlo.scotto@ingv.it, Perrone, Loredana1 (AUTHOR), Baskaradas, James Arokiasamy2 (AUTHOR) jamesbaskaradas@ece.sastra.edu
Source: Advances in Space Research. Feb2026, Vol. 77 Issue 3, p3351-3366. 16p.
Subjects: Ionosondes, Software radio, Real-time computing, Radio wave propagation, Space environment, Radar
Geographic Terms: Europe
Abstract: IonoNet is an INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) research project developing a multi-static cooperative radar network of Pseudo-Random Code (PRC) ionosondes deployed across Europe. This innovative approach enables oblique soundings to compare ionospheric characteristics over vast distances. The project develops ionosondes for both oblique and vertical soundings, supported by a complete data analysis pipeline. A key feature is the real-time processing capability, which transforms oblique into vertical ionograms, generates electron density profiles using Autoscala program, and can issue ionospheric alerts under disturbed conditions. The system's core innovation is its reliance on Software Defined Radio (SDR) devices for both transmission and reception. This SDR-based architecture provides significant versatility, allowing for flexible configuration of transmission parameters and signal filtering via software, replacing complex traditional hardware. A primary novelty is the network's multi-static capability: a single receiving observatory can simultaneously detect signals from multiple transmitters. This "many-to-one" approach multiplies the observational viewpoints. The system uses unique station identifiers and precise GPS synchronization (GPSDO − GPS Disciplined Oscillator) to manage these complex, simultaneous soundings. Ultimately, this advanced sounding network enables large-scale ionospheric mapping, validation of global models, and the study of local disturbances, space weather impacts, and potential ionosphere-lithosphere coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:IonoNet is an INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) research project developing a multi-static cooperative radar network of Pseudo-Random Code (PRC) ionosondes deployed across Europe. This innovative approach enables oblique soundings to compare ionospheric characteristics over vast distances. The project develops ionosondes for both oblique and vertical soundings, supported by a complete data analysis pipeline. A key feature is the real-time processing capability, which transforms oblique into vertical ionograms, generates electron density profiles using Autoscala program, and can issue ionospheric alerts under disturbed conditions. The system's core innovation is its reliance on Software Defined Radio (SDR) devices for both transmission and reception. This SDR-based architecture provides significant versatility, allowing for flexible configuration of transmission parameters and signal filtering via software, replacing complex traditional hardware. A primary novelty is the network's multi-static capability: a single receiving observatory can simultaneously detect signals from multiple transmitters. This "many-to-one" approach multiplies the observational viewpoints. The system uses unique station identifiers and precise GPS synchronization (GPSDO − GPS Disciplined Oscillator) to manage these complex, simultaneous soundings. Ultimately, this advanced sounding network enables large-scale ionospheric mapping, validation of global models, and the study of local disturbances, space weather impacts, and potential ionosphere-lithosphere coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:02731177
DOI:10.1016/j.asr.2025.12.019