Abstract: In an SNMP network including a Manager Station having a first digital certificate and an Agent Station having a second digital certificate, the MS generates a simple network management protocol (SNMP) configuration file which includes SNMP authentication keys and SNMP encryption keys for use by the MS and the AS for authentication and for encrypting communications between the MS and the AS, respectively. Mutual authentication can be performed using the first and second digital certificates to establish a secure session between the MS and the AS. The MS can encrypt the SNMP configuration file and transmit it to the AS which can then decrypt the encrypted SNMP configuration file to generate the SNMP authentication keys and the SNMP privacy keys. The MS and the AS can then use the SNMP authentication and privacy keys to conduct secure SNMP communications between the MS and the AS.

Abstract: In an SNMP network including a Manager Station having a first digital certificate and an Agent Station having a second digital certificate, the MS generates a simple network management protocol (SNMP) configuration file which includes SNMP authentication keys and SNMP encryption keys for use by the MS and the AS for authentication and for encrypting communications between the MS and the AS, respectively. Mutual authentication can be performed using the first and second digital certificates to establish a secure session between the MS and the AS. The MS can encrypt the SNMP configuration file and transmit it to the AS which can then decrypt the encrypted SNMP configuration file to generate the SNMP authentication keys and the SNMP privacy keys. The MS and the AS can then use the SNMP authentication and privacy keys to conduct secure SNMP communications between the MS and the AS.

Abstract: A communication system (100) has automatic selection of talkgroups based on geographically defined areas. The system (100)includes wireless two-way communication units (120) capable of communicating with each other within a coverage area 205. A particular communication unit 120 is automatically caused to operate as a member of a particular talkgroup when that particular communication unit (120) is within a particular area of operation (207), which particular area of operation (207) is smaller than, and contained within, the coverage area (205).

Abstract: A method is disclosed, and an apparatus described, for providing a console display indicating the incompatibility of a subscriber with a talk group in an RF communication system. The console provides a first display as long as the system detects no subscriber incompatibility with a talk group. When the system determines the subscriber is incompatible with a talk group, however, the console provides a second display which is graphically distinct from the first display. The second display is further arranged so the incompatible subscriber can readily be identified.