Re: [OctDev] random numbers for distributed computations

[David Bateman]

Michael Creel wrote:

> Hello,
> I'm planning on implementing some method to ensure that random number streams 
> generated on different nodes of a cluster are independent of one another. 
> This is important for problems such as Monte Carlo. Before I start, I'd like 
> to hear advice, suggestions, requests. Thanks, Michael
>
>
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>  
If your platform as /dev/urandom, then the octave-forge random 
generators will use it to seed the generators, and you will end up with 
independent number streams. Even if you don't have /dev/urandom, then 
these generators use the LSB of the clock to seed with (ie. usec) and so 
you'll probably find yourself with independent streams in any case.

So my advice is to use the octave-forge generators...

D.


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