mersenneforum.org A distributed ECM project for Fermat numbers
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 2017-02-04, 15:55 #1 ET_ Banned     "Luigi" Aug 2002 Team Italia 2·2,383 Posts A distributed ECM project for Fermat numbers Code: --- Message crossposted on Factoring and FermatSearch threads --- --- Please follow up on FermatSearch only --- Hi folks. I have been asked by many users to push and enhance the usability of the ECM method for the Fermat factors search. Many asked to "boinc-ify" the ecm stage, or set up an ECM server and distribute the work. Many (Mark, Carlos and Yoyo among them) offered time and resourcees to come up with a new solution. Unfortunately, Fermat numbers are quite BIG, and require a lot of time and free memory to be correctly "ecm-ed". They also lay (far) above the limit of 1018 digits imposed by GPU-ECM. But I think a good way to come up with a solution exists. Prime95 writes a savefile whenever an ecm run in interrupted. The size of the savefile is related to the FFT used. I prepared a short table with the relevant data: Code: Number Size of savefile ------------------------- F12 | 1.1 kB F13 | 2.1 kB F14 | 4.2 kB F15 | 8.3 kB F16 | 16.5 kB F17 | 32.9 kB F18 | 65.6 kB F19 | 131,1 kB F20 | 262.2 kB F21 | 524.4 kB F22 | 1.0 MB F23 | 2.1 MB F24 | 4.2 MB F25 | 8.4 MB F26 | 16.8 MB ---------------------- The Idea Instead of distributing workunits of one or more curves, often requiring days or even weeks to complete, let's redefine the meaning of a workunit like this: "How long should a PC sit on a single WU?". If we agree for (say) 3-4 hours, we might distribute a triple composed by the exponent, the correlated sigma and the actual savefile on each WU - where no savefile means a new curve. More handling required, but... We might also create 2 different subprojects: one for smaller PCs doing stage1, and one for stronger workstations doing high-memory stage2, possibly extending a single stage1 into more than 1 "telescopic" stage2s, using Prime95 for stage1 and gmp-ecm for stage2... Another good reason I noticed that more and more people is setting up microfarms using the new Single Board Computer platforms (Arduinos, Pines, Corteces, Oranges): Such SBCs would be perfect for a distributed work like this. The requirements Once such ambitious project is decided, we shall need the following sections to be managed: 1 - Hardware. An online server to share the WU and maintain the project. 2 - Application software. Something like a boinc wrapper, or an ecmnet server whatever the easier. 3 - Web management software. The management of the online archives and the statistics. 4 - A couple of administrators. They will monitor the traffic, get in charge of queue management and take care of the system. 5 - A lot of volunteers. They will participate and eventually spread the word on the net. What I can do I can handle the points 1, 3, half of 4 and be a part of 5. My time and actual skills would prevent me from delivering a working software in less than 3 years, and I could have more RealLife(TM) issues on the way. Moreover, my knowledge of the subject is more historical than technical (I never deep-delved into ECM): I could start now, but it would be easier with a good company on my side. Finally, I would like to discuss pros and cons with you before applying any change to the actual (working) state of things: there are geniuses of programming, web developing, IT security, distributed computing among you, and I am asking your volunteering time and dedication for free (or, better, for a higher scope: Fermat factors discovery!). Anybody interested in (at least) a theoretical discussion about feasibility? Luigi

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