standby key

Of security key types that are provided in pairs, the key that is not being used by the system for communications. Only one key from a pair can be active (in a state actively usable by the system); the other key from the pair is held in standby until needed.

Note: In OpenWay systems, the key status (active or standby) has meaning only to the decryption and key update (DKUS) server. Key status means nothing to the OpenWay Collection Engine or devices (cell relays, meters, and others). The key status can be toggled between active and standby by the system administrator.