Adding entropy for improved random number generation in a computer system

摘要

A parallel computer system adds entropy to improve the quality of random number generation by using parity errors as a source of entropy because parity errors are influenced by external forces such as cosmic ray bombardment, alpha particle emission, and other random or near-random events. By using parity errors and associated information to generate entropy, the quality of random number generation in a parallel computer system is increased.

主权项

1. A computer implemented method for a software agent to receive a random number, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a parallel computer system comprising a plurality of nodes, each node comprising a memory; detecting at least one parity error in at least one of the memories in the plurality of nodes; using time and location of the at least one parity error to add entropy to an entropy pool, wherein the location comprises a chip serial number corresponding to a memory chip where a current parity error occurred; using the entropy pool to generate a random number; and the software agent receiving the generated random number and transforming the generated random number to a form usable by the software agent.