Communication device for providing security in a group communication network

In a communications device, a computer-readable medium embodying a method for providing security in a group communication network, the method comprising:

• receiving an encryption key;
• encrypting media for transmission to a controller using the received encryption key, the encrypted media being directed to another communication device;
• communicating the encrypted media to the controller, the communicating including cellular communication;
• and wherein encrypted traffic includes additional headers used to:
• synchronize an encryption/decryption process;
• accommodate late synchronization;
• and
• confirm that a sender and receiver are using identical traffic encryption keys and support secure communications and if the communication device receives media traffic that is not encrypted on a net for which it is configured to encrypt or if the traffic is not decrypted correctly, the communication device signals an alert and mutes traffic.

A communication device for providing security in a group communication network, comprising:

• means for receiving an encryption key;
• means for encrypting media for transmission to a controller using the received encryption key, the encrypted media being directed to another communication device;
• means for communicating the encrypted media to the controller, the communicating including cellular communication;
• and wherein encrypted traffic includes additional headers used to:
• synchronize an encryption/decryption process;
• accommodate late synchronization;
• and
• confirm that a sender and receiver are using identical traffic encryption keys and support secure communications and if the communication device receives media traffic that is not encrypted on a net for which it is configured to encrypt or if the traffic is not decrypted correctly, the communication device signals an alert and mutes traffic.

A communication device for providing security in a group communication network, the communication device comprising:

• a receiver to receive an encryption key;
• a processor to encrypt media for transmission to a controller using the received encryption key, the processor being communicatively coupled to the receiver;
• a transmitter communicatively coupled to the processor to communicate the encrypted media to the controller, the communicating including wireless communication;
• and wherein encrypted traffic includes additional headers used to:
• synchronize an encryption/decryption process;
• accommodate late synchronization;
• and
• confirm that a sender and receiver are using identical traffic encryption keys and support secure communications and if the communication device receives media traffic that is not encrypted on a net for which it is configured to encrypt or if the traffic is not decrypted correctly, the communication device signals an alert and mutes traffic.