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Configuring Informers Using Commander Software (Optional)
Setup, Program, and User Manual
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
3. Configuring Security Key and Encryption Key (Optional)
Security is an important part of any type of networking system. Federal Signal provides
two types of security for Commander and Informers as defined below:
• Security Key—Security keys are often used with radio-based systems, where two
separate siren or informer networks are adjacent and there is concern that activation
of one system might inadvertently activate the neighboring system. Security keys can
also be used in IP-based systems for an added measure of security.
• Encryption Key—Federal Signal provides 128-bit and 256-bit encryption options for
Informer devices. The use of 128-bit encryption is required for backward system
compatibility with all previous versions of products.
Security and Encryption keys are stored in the Informers when they are initially
programmed. This is typically done during setup by using the Federal Signal Universal
Programmer and the USB Flasher software package.
These keys are then entered into Commander and must match the values already loaded
in the Informers. Mismatches are reported as communications errors.
To change the Security Key and Encryption Key:
1. Start the Commander® application. From the Commander main window, click System
Setup.
The System Setup dialog box appears.
2. Click Security Key.
The Security Key dialog box appears.
