Parliamentary Committee Notes: Radio Frequency Filtration Equipment
2022-2023 INDU – Contract for a Telecommunications System for the RCMP
Date: January 20, 2023
Classification: Unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: RCMP
Proposed Response:
- The radio frequency (RF) filtration equipment procured from Sinclair Technologies are unpowered assemblies of tin cans, metal rods and cables that filter out unwanted signals and interference to help optimize radio performance. The technology is also routinely used to support broadcast radio, wireless communication and television.
- In effect, radio frequency filters allow radio users, including RCMP officers, to communicate more clearly by preventing interference and background noise.
- Given its specific function, radio frequency filtration equipment does not have the capability to access RCMP radio communications that are also protected end-to-end using the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's encryption standard.
If pressed on the Security of RF filtration equipment:
- I understand that the RCMP followed all applicable security requirements for this equipment that poses no security concern given its specific function.
- RCMP radio communications are protected end-to-end using the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's encryption standard.
If pressed on the security of antennas procured from Sinclair Technologies:
- Like radio frequency filtration equipment, radio antennas pose no security concerns given their specific functions. An antenna is passive and only redirects signals between devices, and cannot access data or voice information.
- As well, I understand that RCMP radio communications are protected by end-to-end encryption using the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's recommended encryption standard.
Background:
All radios create, and are susceptible to, radio frequency (RF) interference. At radio sites, RF filters stand between antennas on the tower and two-way radios in the shelter, rejecting interference from nearby transmitters and passing only the correct frequencies to RCMP radios. Most RF filters are unpowered assemblies of tin cans, metal rods, magnetic ferrite blocks and coaxial cables. Some incorporate transistor-based amplifiers to boost faint incoming signals. The rods allow the cans to be tuned to precise frequencies and are used in equipment such as broadcast radio, wireless communications, and television. This equipment is used to optimize radio system performance and reduce impact on nearby services like cellphone, pager and satellite operations. Once installed and tuned, they typically remain in place for decades.
RF filters exchange no data with other equipment and are used to filter out unwanted signals. RF filtration equipment does not have the capability to access RCMP radio communications and poses no security concerns.
RF filters have several benefits.
- Permit RCMP radio receivers to review communications more clearly by blocking interference and background noise, which is vital for making out faint or distant calls from officers and especially in emergency situations.
- Allow for several radio channels to use the same antenna, which supports concurrent police operations.
- Prevents RCMP radios from emitting RF interference that degrades the operation of other radio users at the tower site.
Radio antennas are passive devices used for only two purposes: 1) To send radio signals from transmitter radios to field personnel; and, 2) To capture radio signals and send the signal down a wire to receiver radios.
An antenna is considered passive as it only transmits the input signal received to other devices. RF antennas do not pose any security concerns with regard to access to data or voice information as they simply redirect energy. They are installed on towers and rooftops where they often remain for decades with little maintenance required beyond periodic inspection to ensure bolts are tight and cables are sealed.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Cameron Scobie, Senior Policy Advisor – Specialized Policing Services, 343-549-2681
Approved by: Bryan Larkin, Deputy Commissioner – Specialized Policing Services, 613-843-4631
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