KMF (Key Management Facility)

A KMF is a dispatcher-driven computer (with specific software) that controls OTAR (over-the-air-rekeying) for a Conventional - ASTRO system and / or a Trunking - ASTRO 25 system. This KMF manages encryption keys that encrypt and decrypt voice / data digital communications. The KMF 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 KMF to the in-the-field radios, as well as other system components. The KMF 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 KMF over the secure data channel.