Wonder Why?

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sambo300

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Since I've gotten back into the hobby, a question that crosses my mind often. Why aren't all digital transmissions, especially new installations, just by default encrypted? I'm glad they aren't......but just wondering why all aren't. When the E word first came out....we heard that "with the push of a button" we wouldn't be able to monitor some stuff. I'm thinking it probably costs more to encrypt and of course the configuration is very complex? And does it degrade the signal any at all, RF-wise? I know back even with my HP-2....around 6-8 years ago I could monitor the THP and still can. And I'm grateful for that....lol.
 

WX4JCW

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many reasons, Money, System Type, Paranoia on the agencies parts, or lack of paranoia, Most P25 radios have a free key option so there really is no reason not to, its 99% political on who does it and who does not
 

mmckenna

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I'm thinking it probably costs more to encrypt

Depends on the type of encryption. Most digital radios used in commercial/public safety include some level of encryption as the standard setup of the radio.
Depending on the application, different levels of encryption may be desired or mandated. Higher levels of encryption cost more.

and of course the configuration is very complex?

Not necessarily. Putting an encryption key in the radio is pretty easy. Where it becomes a challenge is managing the keys and making sure the right people have them and the wrong people don't.


And does it degrade the signal any at all, RF-wise?

No. The RF side of a digital radio doesn't know the difference between encrypted 1's and 0's or unencrypted 1's and 0's.


Why aren't all digital transmissions, especially new installations, just by default encrypted?

Some are. LTE, like your cell phone uses, is encrypted.
 

PACNWDude

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Encryption can often require a higher priced radio, for Motorola P25 for example, you may need to pay for the specific flash for encryption, then Radio Management, then Over The Air Re-key (OTAR), then purchase a Key Variable Loader (KVL) for those that get missed in an over the air re-key cycle. For Trbo radios, you just need to enable and set a key, but it adds work, possibly cost, for those that may not understand, or need this function. Then, as others mentioned, there may be oversight requirements and mutual aid that requires un-encrypted channels, or analog conventional channels for interoperability. Un-encrypted analog conventional is the old standby, and recommended in the National Inter-operability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG).
 
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