Using The Kvl 4000; Types Of Encryption Keys; Entering And Loading Keys - Overview; Kvl 4000 User Interface - Motorola KVL 4000 User Manual

KVL 4000 Key Variable Loader ASTRO 25 User Guide

1.2.4 Using the KVL 4000

Secure communications systems are designed to provide coded (encrypted) voice and data signals between some or
all links in the system (including RF links and network links). In order to do this, each device, such as a radio or
fixed encryption unit, is loaded with a multi-digit encryption variable (a key). This key is used by the encryption
algorithm, such as AES-256 or DES-XL, built into the device to mathematically encrypt all transmitted voice and
data signals, and decode all encrypted received voice and data signals.
Only devices in the system with the same algorithm and encryption key can decode the encrypted signal and
carry on communications with each other. Talkgroups can therefore be created by controlling the assignment of
encryption keys to specific groups of radios.

1.2.4.1 Types of Encryption Keys

The KVL stores two basic types of encryption keys:
• Traffic Encryption Keys (TEK) – Used by subscriber units to encrypt/decrypt voice and data
communications.
• Key Encryption Keys (KEK) – Used by the KVL to provide an additional level of encryption to the
encryption keys when transferring keys directly to the KMF or over the air to secure subscriber devices.
Both types of keys are stored in the KVL memory in an encrypted format and are protected from tampering.
1.2.4.2 Entering and Loading Keys – Overview
Encryption keys are entered into the KVL memory locations (slots). The keys may then be transferred (loaded)
to a target device, such as a secure radio.
A two-step process is required for most encryption keys:
• Create (enter) the multi-digit encryption key into the KVL memory. See
page 3-1.
• Connect the KVL to a target device, such as a radio, and transfer the key to the target device. See
Connecting the KVL to Target Devices, page 1-13
Target Devices.

1.3 KVL 4000 User Interface

You navigate through the KVL User Interface and perform operations by:
• Selecting list items, buttons, and tabs
• Entering data
• Dragging sliders
• Scrolling through lists
You can navigate through the KVL UI using your finger. Alternatively, you can use the stylus attached to the
side of the PDA, or press hard controls on the PDA.
1-8
3.1 Entering Encryption Keys,
and Chapter 4 KVL 4000 – Loading Encryption Keys into
1.4.4
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