Encryption synchronization combined with encryption key identification
AssigneeMotorola, Inc.
InventorAlan L. Wilson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In an encrypted radio system, transmsitters and receivers can each be provided with a plurality of encryption algorithms (407 and 425) and/or encryption key variables (408 and 426). A unique logical ID (409 and 427) corresponds to each of the above. During transmission of an encrypted message, both encryption synchronization information (319) and information concerning the logical ID (318) is repetitively interleaved with the encrypted message itself. So configured, a receiver that temporarily loses viable reception can again obtain encryption synchronization and algorithm/key information, and therefore rapidly recover from the reception disturbance.
Claims18
A method of transmitting system encryption information in conjunction with message information, comprising the steps of:
- A) selecting at least an encryption key and an encryption algorithm;
- B) encrypting at least a part of the message information using the encryption key and the encryption algorithm;
- C) automatically transmitting repetitively, interleaved with the message information, identifying information for the encryption key.
A method of transmitting system encryption information in conjunction with message information, comprising the steps of:
- A) selecting at least an encryption key and an encryption algorithm;
- B) forming a packet comprised of encryption synchronizing information and information identifying:
- i) the encryption key;
- and
- ii) the encryption algorithm;
- C) encrypting at least a part of the message information using the encryption key and the encryption algorithm;
- D) automatically repetitively transmitting the packet in an information field that is interleaved with the message information.
A method of transmitting system encryption information in conjunction with message information, comprising the steps of:
- A) selecting at least an encryption key and an encryption algorithm;
- B) forming an encryption information packet comprised of key ID information and encryption synchronizing information, wherein the key ID information identifies both the encryption key and the encryption algorithm;
- C) encrypting at least a part of the message information using the encryption key and the encryption algorithm;
- D) automatically repetitively transmitting the encryption information packet in an information field that is interleaved with the message information.
A radio, comprising:
- A) message processing means for providing a digitized message to be transmitted;
- B) first memory means for storing a plurality of encryption keys;
- C) second memory means for storing a plurality of key IDs, wherein each one of the key IDs corresponds to a particular one of the plurality of encryption keys;
- D) selection means for selecting a particular one of the encryption keys;
- E) encryption means operably coupled to the message processing means, the first memory means, and the selection means, for processing the digitized message to be transmitted as a function of the particular encryption key and providing an encrypted message;
- F) transmitter means operably coupled to the second memory means and the encryption means for transmitting:
- i) the encrypted message;
- and
- ii) the key ID that corresponds to the encryption key then in use;
- such that the key ID is repetitively transmitted while interleaved with the encrypted message.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.