random number generator (RNG)

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Abbreviations / Acronyms / Synonyms:

RNG

CNSSI 4009-2015, NIST SP 800-121 Rev. 2, NIST SP 800-131A Rev.2, NIST SP 800-22 Rev. 1a, NIST SP 800-57 Part 1 Rev. 5, NIST SP 800-78-4, NISTIR 8320

Definitions:

  A process that is invoked to generate a random sequence of values (usually a sequence of bits) or an individual random value.
Sources:
CNSSI 4009-2015 from IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2

  A mechanism that purports to generate truly random data.
Sources:
NIST SP 800-22 Rev. 1a under Random Number Generator (RNG)

  A process used to generate an unpredictable series of numbers. Also called a Random bit generator (RBG).
Sources:
NIST SP 800-57 Part 1 Rev. 5 under Random number generator (RNG)

Glossary Comments

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Comments about the glossary's presentation and functionality should be sent to secglossary@nist.gov.

See NISTIR 7298 Rev. 3 for additional details.