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Exploring fields with shift registers

The S-Boxes used in the AES algorithm are generated by field extensions of the Galois field over two elements, called GF(2). Therefore, understanding the field extensions provides a method of analysis, potentially efficient implementation, and efficient attacks. Different polynomials can be used to generate the fields, and we explore the set of polynomials x^ 2 + x + a^J over GF(2^n) where a is a primitive element of GF(2^n). The results of this work are the first steps towards a full understanding of the field that AES computation occurs in-GF(2^8). The charts created with the data we gathered detail which power of the current primitive root is equal to previous primitive roots for fields up through GF(2^16) created by polynomials of the form x^2 + x + a^i for a primitive element a. Currently, a C++ program will also provide all the primitive polynomials of the form x^2 + x+ a^i for a primitive element a over the fields through GF(2^32). This work also led to a deeper understanding of certain elements of a field and their equivalent shift register state. In addition, given an irreducible polynomial 2 f(x) = x^2 + a^i x + a^j over GF(2^n), the period (and therefore the primitivity) can be determined by a new theorem without running the shift register generated by f(x).

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:nps.edu/oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/2603
Date09 1900
CreatorsRadowicz, Jody L.
ContributorsDinolt, George, Fredricksen, Harold, Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)., Department of Computer Science
PublisherMonterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Source SetsNaval Postgraduate School
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Formatxiv, 83 p. : ill. ;, application/pdf
RightsApproved for public release, distribution unlimited

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