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jkelly061597

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Random Number Generation

I'm looking for an easy to use random number generator library for use in a descrete event simulation and do not have any experience or knowledge of the arena. Any testimonial experience with a particular library or information on the different methods of generation would be greatly appreciated.

Have a good day,
jeff
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jos010697

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fl0yd

The Standard C Library's rand() does return PSEUDO-random numbers, as correctly stated by jos. The only way of generating real random numbers is through the use of hardware. The only device capable of doing so that I know of is Intel's 82802 Firmware Hub, which can be accessed through Intel's 8XX chipsets. I don't know of any library that actually uses this feature though.
Boost random number library was always considered to be pretty good

http://www.boost.org/libs/random/index.html
to test generators, check out a program called diehard.  Its on the web, and besides the program, the download has a good paper in it.

http://stat.fsu.edu/~geo/diehard.html

very good info from all .. realy very good thread!!
As far as i knew


if u go for some gausian random function u will get real good random numbers.
which is equivalent in getting noises in any comunication systems.

jeff,
   one thing you should always look out for when choosing a library/api: Make sure that you have an easy way to reproduce the same sequence of 'random' numbers. So what you are looking for as a developer are certainly pseudo-random numbers. Just imagine how tough debugging will be when an error pops up every now and then without being able to reproduce it.
Dear jkelly

I think you forgot this question. I will ask Community Support to close it unless you finalize it within 7 days. You can always request to keep this question open. But remember, experts can only help you if you provide feedback to their questions.
Unless there is objection or further activity,  I will suggest to accept

     "jos"

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PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS COMMENT AS AN ANSWER!
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Werner
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Thank you to everyone, I forgot about this question but ended up just using rand().