3 ms·
Yes, as long as the key is available. For instance, we use WPA keys for our HAMnet microwave links, but using a well-known key that's publicly known. D-Star an
by lima 6y ago
Yes, as long as the key is available. For instance, we use WPA keys for our HAMnet microwave links, but using a well-known key that's publicly known.
D-Star and PACTOR are proprietary, undocumented algorithms but you're allowed to use them because devices implementing them are commercially available.
- muxator 6y agoI guess there should be a sound technical reason for choosing to encrypt with a well known key vs transmitting cleartext, but I fail to imagine it. What's the advantage of doing it?
- lima 6y agoOur links are essentially standard 5 GHz wifi, but on licensed bands with higher tx power, and we don't want random people to connect to them. A WPA key mitigates that without breaking any regulations. Mainly a mitigation against curious people with Ubiquiti equipment, which makes it way too easy to disable country restrictions and find and connect to our links in licensed bands :-)
- garmaine 6y agoWell depending on what is broadcast, it might have a regular structure and perhaps there's some reason you'd want to randomize the broadcast signal. Maybe some highly specific noise in the environment that happens to resonate with the signal structure? Alternatively there might be protocols which have mandatory encryption as part of their specification. Or you might be using a combined encryption-authentication mode, but only for the purpose of authentication on ham radio. Those are all a bit of a stretch though.