How easy is it to employ encryption on DMR?

[bfranco512]

I haven't found this exact question answered, but I am monitoring a DMR one freq system run by a business. I'm curious, if they decided to, how easy would it be for them to encrypt their communications? Is it as easy as simply turning on a setting, or would they need to incur extra costs? I know for a fact they are using Motorola but not sure of the exact model of in-car or handhelds, it seems that there may be multiple models in use depending on department. Thanks!

 

[PACNWDude]

If they are MotoTrbo series, then turning on "Privacy" Basic.Enhanced is an option, but is RC4 encryption. Unless they were purchased with AES-256 (must be ordered from Motorola with that option, and they want reasons to justify), they will only have RC-4 40 bit "encryption".

RAS - Restricted Access to System could help too, if they only want Motorola radios on their network (and then ones with the RAS key in them).

Don't expect too many responses for "encryption" here though.

 

[mmckenna]

Not Motorola, but I deployed about 75 Kenwood DMR radios last year and encryption was as easy as setting a code and turning on the function in software. Zero additional cost. Since it was a common file for all radios, it took about an additional minute or two of effort.

 

[bfranco512]

If they are MotoTrbo series, then turning on "Privacy" Basic.Enhanced is an option, but is RC4 encryption. Unless they were purchased with AES-256 (must be ordered from Motorola with that option, and they want reasons to justify), they will only have RC-4 40 bit "encryption".

RAS - Restricted Access to System could help too, if they only want Motorola radios on their network (and then ones with the RAS key in them).

Don't expect too many responses for "encryption" here though.

Thanks, after a bit of digging it looks like one of the models they use is an XPR 7550e, which appears to not have and option for AES, but does have the RC4 option.

 

[Firebuff66]

They all have basic that has 255 built in keys but if someone has a turbo radio they can program the same channel 255 times and you will find that number fast, and RC4/ADP/ARC4 is perfect for what it was designed for (Anti-Scanner) in the turbo its called Enhanced....If you need more security, maybe your a secret agent or afraid the janitors in your building will be giving away secrets over their radios, AES is also super easy on turbo