Current release
hpux11-random-current.tar.gz
Convenience link pointing at the fixed 0.0.3 release.
Download current releaseImportant warning
Avoid release 0.0.2
The 0.0.2 release contained a race condition that could trigger a kernel page fault and system panic. The fix is in 0.0.3.
What it does
Adds a Linux-style random device to HP-UX so applications can obtain entropy through a familiar kernel interface.
Why it existed
OpenSSH on HP-UX 11.00 could be painfully slow without a usable entropy source.
What to read first
Start with the article for background and installation detail, then check the warning note if you have ever used 0.0.2.
Downloads
Current release and references
Article
Kernel based random number generation in HP-UX 11.00
The full article covering entropy, pseudo-randomness, the missing device problem, and the DLKM itself.
Read the articleReference utility
ent.gz
Preserved alongside the project as a tool for looking at the quality of generated random data.
Download ent.gzNotes
Installation and operating notes
Background
OpenSSH was the practical driver
The article traces the project back to a customer complaint: OpenSSH on HP-UX 11.00 was slow because entropy had to be gathered in user space. The DLKM solved that by moving the random source into the kernel.
Compatibility
Quality Pack note
One user reported needing Quality Pack QPK1100 before the module would load correctly.
Build snag
Without HP ANSI C
If make install complains under the bundled compiler, the historical workaround was to run touch * before the install step.
History
The original project context
The original directory contains the fixed release, a long-form article, and a separate incident note describing the 0.0.2 race condition and the corrective changes made in 0.0.3.