Talk:Stream cipher

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To-do list for Stream cipher: edit · history · watch · refresh
  • Add a simple diagram of synchronous stream cipher operation vs asynchronous
  • Mention Shrinking generator, Self-shrinking generator
  • Discuss use of LFSRs in stream ciphers (non-linear combining function; non-linear filtering; clocked LFSRs)
  • Discuss relationship with OTP/Vernam cipher

[edit] Speeds

I am changing the sentence "Stream ciphers typically execute at a higher speed in hardware but a much slower speed in software than block ciphers." because it isn't generally true. RC4, for example, is one of the fastest strong ciphers available in software. --agr 18:26, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

[edit] Military

The sentence

Another advantage of stream ciphers in military cryptography is that the cipher stream can be generated in a separate box that is subject to strict security measures and fed to other devices, e.g. a radio set, which will perform the xor operation as part of their function. The latter device can then be designed and used in less stringent environments.

looks questionable to me--any device that sees plaintext has to be designed stringently. See Red-black separation. I'd like to remove this sentence unless someone objects. Phr 03:37, 9 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Comparison table

I wonder if a comparison table is a good idea. We found that trying to maintain one for ESTREAM was a pretty fraught business, especially when (as is the case with Py (cipher) there's dispute about the validity of an attack. And unlike with with ESTREAM, here the table may grow without bound.

I think it should list only ciphers that are widely used: RC4, A5/1, A5/2 etc.

On a minor note, the table suggests that there are linear cryptanalytic attacks on Salsa20. I'm unaware of any published, unless you mean the papers by Li An-Ping which never made sense have been pretty thoroughly shredded. — ciphergoth 05:51, 7 September 2006 (UTC)

Pretty table. Does the color coding mean anything? There's no legend for cell color. -Kvng 16:24, 28 September 2006 (UTC)

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