GPS as a Random Number Source and Potential Applications

John Kelly

Abstract:	An innovative method is proposed to utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) derived data as a source for the generation of pseudo and real random numbers. The utilization of said numbers can then be employed for a wide variety of applications, including cryptographic key development and distribution, for secure communications and other uses by the military or civilian population. The method exploits the varied nature of the GPS observables to “seed” a pool of data from which samples are combinatorially mixed and cryptographically processed by the use of validated standard algorithms. The resultant cryptographically secure random number may be tailored for bit length (40-160 or greater bits) thus allowing adaptation for specific security uses and applications. The method of generation is SPS or PPS independent, autonomous in nature, and allows a rich source of globally available entropic data due to the nature of the GPS system. The proposed methodology may replace expensive or poorly suited inputs of natural entropy with the GPS receiver data. The implementation of using GPS as a source of randomization is extremely competitive against other existing methods of sampling natural variance for random number development due to low cost, size, and portability. The method has extreme interest to military users whose equipment has become increasingly GPS integrated over the past few years. This paper presents overviews of random number theory and the development of same. A discussion of GPS related error is included and the methodology is presented. Comparisons for validity via similarity to existing methodology is demonstrated through extensive analysis of the randomization content for the GPS data proposed. The paper concludes with an overview of potential extensions of the methods discussed, possible attacks and their counters, and other applications to the military and civilian environments.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998) September 15 - 18, 1998 Nashville, TN
Pages:	1477 - 1489
Cite this article:	Kelly, John, "GPS as a Random Number Source and Potential Applications," Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998), Nashville, TN, September 1998, pp. 1477-1489.
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