ant key, why?

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29 August 2020 04:29 PM

spelger Newbie

Total Posts: 13

Joined 2019-09-26

Another topic that i sorted out lead me to make sure that the Ant key is not easily de-compilable from nosy busy bodies. in testing this i intentionally changed the network key expecting that i would get an error. much to my surprise no error. then i really changed it up and still no error and i was able to still receive and transmit to my devices as expected.

it is really not clear to me but after re-reading section 5.2.5.2 in D00000652_ANT_Message_Protocol_and_Usage_Rev_5.1 i am beginning to think that this key that is published to ANT adopters is just a default public key that anyone can use with the expectation that other masters/slaves can join. so, for a private network (which makes the most sense) i probably want some custom key that is unlikely to be used by another developer in order to keep my little network private/secure.

am i on the right track with my thinking?

-scott

31 August 2020 09:51 AM #1

haighi Administrator

Total Posts: 370

Joined 2012-06-27

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You cannot just use an arbitrary network key. https://www.thisisant.com/developer/resources/tech-faq/how-do-i-get-the-public-network-key/ explains the behavior when an invalid key is used.

https://www.thisisant.com/developer/ant-plus/ant-plus-basics/network-keys lists the keys available to ANT+ adopters. If you are not using an ANT+ profile it is prohibited by the ANT+ adopter agreement to use the ANT+ key. You must use the Public key, or a private key.

https://www.thisisant.com/developer/resources/tech-faq/can-i-generate-my-own-private-network-key-1/ and
https://www.thisisant.com/developer/resources/tech-faq/is-there-a-fee-for-a-network-key-1/ give some guidance if you want to explore a private network key.

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Ian Haigh

31 August 2020 10:08 AM #2

haighi Administrator

Total Posts: 370

Joined 2012-06-27

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Each network key defines a segregated space in which compatibility is maintained primarily through unique meaning for device type. Devices on network X with the same device type can be assumed to follow a defined behavior.

This is why it is important that only ANT+ profiles be used on the ANT+ key. If your device used the ANT+ key, but didn't follow a profile, it would create issues for devices operating on the ANT+ network. They may not be able to function, or behave erratically depending on the specifics of what the device type and behavior are.

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Ian Haigh

02 September 2020 08:12 PM #3

spelger Newbie

Total Posts: 13

Joined 2019-09-26

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Thanks for the clarification. I had to go back to read more documentation to be sure of what was meant by "device" and if my understanding is correct a "device" is essentially anything transmitting ANT protocol messages, be that an embedded implementation like a heart rate monitor, or a PC communicating ANT via an ANT dongle.

-scott

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