A Wide Area Sensor Network is disclosed that utilizes wideband software defined radios (SDRs) to provide a capability to monitor the airwaves over a wide frequency range, detect when critical frequencies are being jammed or otherwise interfered with, and locate the source of the interference so that the interference can be eliminated. In addition, a diversity receiver is disclosed. The diversity receiver generates position, time and frequency references for use in locating and synchronizing sensor platforms of a WLS. In an illustrative embodiment, the diversity receiver comprises a first receiver subsystem comprising a terrestrial broadcast receiver, and a common processor platform (CPP) coupled via first link means to the first receiver subsystem. The first receiver subsystem provides a stable time reference and position information to the CPP via the first link means. In addition, the diversity receiver includes second link means for coupling the diversity receiver to a sensor platform and providing time and frequency references and location data to the sensor platform.