* Question
The WirelessHART security system defines four keys. What is it?
* Answer
The WirelessHART security system defines four types of keys that play a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of communication within the WirelessHART network. WirelessHART is a secure, wireless communication protocol used in industrial environments for monitoring and control applications. The four keys defined in its security system are as follows:
1. Network Key
– Purpose: The network key is shared by all devices in the WirelessHART network and is used to authenticate communication between devices.
– Function:
– It ensures that only authorized devices can join and participate in the network.
– Used to encrypt and authenticate broadcast messages and control traffic within the network.
2. Join Key
– Purpose: The join key is unique to each device and is used during the process of joining the WirelessHART network.
– Function:
– When a device requests to join the network, it uses the join key to prove its identity.
– The network manager verifies the join key, and upon successful authentication, the device is assigned a network key and session key to fully participate in the network.
3. Session Key
– Purpose: The session key is unique to each pair of communicating devices and ensures secure communication between them.
– Function:
– It is used to encrypt and authenticate messages between devices, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity during communication.
– Each session key is unique to the communication session between the devices, preventing unauthorized interception or tampering.
4. Broadcast Key
– Purpose: The broadcast key is used to secure messages sent from the network manager to all devices in the network.
– Function:
– It ensures that broadcast messages, typically used for network-wide commands, are encrypted and authenticated.
– This key guarantees that only authorized devices within the network can decrypt and process broadcast messages.
Summary:
– Network Key: A shared key for authenticating devices within the network.
– Join Key: A unique key for each device, used during the joining process to authenticate and grant access.
– Session Key: A unique key for encrypting and securing communication between individual devices.
– Broadcast Key: A key used to secure network-wide messages sent to all devices.
These keys are integral to WirelessHART’s robust security framework, ensuring secure communication, data integrity, and confidentiality in industrial wireless networks.
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