KMC (Key Management Controller)

A KMC is a dispatcher driven computer (with specific software) that controls OTAR (over-the-air-rekeying) for a Conventional - MDC communications system. This controller manages encryption keys that encrypt and decrypt voice / data communications. The KMC maintains a database of radio-users in the system, including the encryption keys that are currently within each radio. The OTAR information which includes new encryption keys, is transmitted by the KMC to the in-the-field radios, as well as other system components, using MDC 1200 baud format. The KMC can also remotely zeroize a compromised unit; this effectively removes all encryption keys from the unit, thereby rendering it unable to transmit or receive encrypted messages. The radio-user also has the ability to request a re-key by the KMC over the secure data channel.