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What is Linux kernel entropy?
The Linux kernel generates entropy from keyboard timings, mouse movements, and IDE timings and makes the random character data available to other operating system processes through the special files /dev/random and /dev/urandom. In some systems, network interrupts can be used as an entropy source as well.
What kernel design does Linux use?
monolithic kernel
Linux is a monolithic kernel with a modular design (e.g., it can insert and remove loadable kernel modules at runtime), supporting most features once only available in closed source kernels of non-free operating systems.
What is the fundamental theory?
n. A physical theory that attempts to explain all the fundamental interactions as low-energy manifestations of a single interaction.
How does the kernel entropy pool work in Linux?
What you are saying is spot on, yes theoretically it is possible to feed entropy into /dev/random, but you’d need to control a lot of the kernel “noise” sources for it to be significant. You can look at the source for random.c, to see where /dev/random picks up noise from.
Are there any entropy generation devices for Linux?
There are some companies manufacturing entropy generation devices, and some of them are shipped with drivers for Linux.
How is entropy generated in an operating system?
Hardware-originated entropy. Modern CPUs and hardware often feature integrated generators that can provide high-quality and high-speed entropy to operating systems. On systems based on the Linux kernel, one can read the entropy generated from such a device through /dev/hw_random.
Are there entropy generators that require closed source drivers?
Not sure if there are propietary hardware entropy generators that require closed source drivers, probably not, as it’s not very difficult and not a very profitable industry (unlike graphics cards otherwise) anyways. Thanks for contributing an answer to Unix & Linux Stack Exchange!