RFC 2777 (rfc2777) - Page 1 of 16


Publicly Verifiable Nomcom Random Selection



Alternative Format: Original Text Document



Network Working Group                                    D. Eastlake 3rd
Request for Comments: 2777                                      Motorola
Category: Informational                                    February 2000


              Publicly Verifiable Nomcom Random Selection

Status of this Memo

   This memo provides information for the Internet community.  It does
   not specify an Internet standard of any kind.  Distribution of this
   memo is unlimited.

Copyright Notice

   Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2000).  All Rights Reserved.

Abstract

   This document describes a method for making random selections in such
   a way that the unbiased nature of the choice is publicly verifiable.
   As an example, the selection of the voting members of the IETF
   Nominations Committee from the pool of eligible volunteers is used.
   Similar techniques would be applicable to other cases.

Acknowledgement

   Matt Crawford made major contributions to this document.

Table of Contents

   1. Introduction............................................2
   2. General Flow of a Publicly Verifiable Process...........2
   2.1 Determination of the Pool..............................2
   2.2 Publication of the Algorithm...........................2
   2.3 Publication of Selection...............................3
   3. Randomness..............................................3
   3.1 Sources of Randomness..................................3
   3.2 Skew...................................................4
   3.3 Entropy Needed.........................................4
   4. A Suggested Precise Algorithm...........................5
   5. Fully Worked Example....................................6
   6. Security Considerations.................................7
   7.  Reference Code.........................................8
   Appendix: History of NomCom Member Selection..............14
   References................................................15
   Author's Address..........................................15
   Full Copyright Statement..................................16



Eastlake                     Informational