SHA-3 Integration For CPU Benchmarking: A How-To Guide

by Alex Johnson 55 views

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of integrating a SHA-3 software library for CPU benchmarking. Our primary goal is to measure the performance of purely software-based Post-Quantum primitives. This involves selecting a suitable SHA-3 implementation, integrating it into your project, verifying its correctness, and finally, running benchmarks to record baseline performance. Let's dive in and explore each step in detail.

Selecting a Lightweight C/C++ SHA-3 Implementation

When integrating a SHA-3 library for CPU benchmarking, the first crucial step involves selecting an appropriate implementation. The choice of the library can significantly impact the performance and accuracy of your benchmarks. In our case, the primary focus is on measuring the performance of software-based Post-Quantum primitives. Therefore, a lightweight C/C++ implementation is ideal. One such library that fits this criterion is tiny_sha3. This library is designed to be efficient and has a minimal footprint, making it suitable for embedded systems and performance-sensitive applications.

Why Choose a Lightweight Implementation?

Choosing a lightweight implementation like tiny_sha3 offers several advantages for CPU benchmarking:

  1. Reduced Overhead: Lightweight libraries typically have a smaller code size and fewer dependencies. This translates to lower overhead during benchmark execution, ensuring that the performance measurements are primarily reflective of the SHA-3 algorithm itself rather than the library's infrastructure.
  2. Improved Accuracy: By minimizing the extraneous computations, a lightweight library provides a more accurate representation of the algorithm's performance characteristics. This is crucial for obtaining reliable baseline timings.
  3. Resource Efficiency: In resource-constrained environments, such as embedded systems, using a lightweight library ensures that the system's resources are utilized efficiently. This is particularly important when benchmarking on platforms with limited memory and processing power.

Key Considerations for Library Selection

Before settling on a specific SHA-3 implementation, consider the following factors:

  • Performance: The library should offer competitive performance compared to other implementations. Benchmarking different libraries before integration can help identify the most efficient option.
  • Code Size: A smaller code size is generally preferable, as it reduces the memory footprint and improves load times.
  • Dependencies: Minimize external dependencies to avoid conflicts and simplify the integration process.
  • Licensing: Ensure that the library's license is compatible with your project's requirements.
  • Community Support: A well-supported library often benefits from regular updates, bug fixes, and community contributions.

In the context of CPU benchmarking, tiny_sha3 emerges as a strong contender due to its focus on efficiency and minimal overhead. However, it's always prudent to evaluate other options and conduct preliminary benchmarks to make an informed decision. Selecting the right library sets the stage for accurate and meaningful performance measurements in subsequent steps.

Integrating the Library into the Arduino Project Structure

Integrating a SHA-3 library, such as tiny_sha3, into an Arduino project structure involves a series of steps that ensure the library functions correctly within the Arduino environment. This integration is crucial for leveraging the SHA-3 algorithm in your benchmarking tasks. Properly integrating the library allows you to call its functions from your Arduino code, enabling you to perform hash computations and measure their performance.

Step-by-Step Integration Process

  1. Download the Library:

    • The first step is to download the tiny_sha3 library (or your chosen SHA-3 implementation) from its source. This typically involves obtaining the library files, which usually include header files (.h) and source files (.c or .cpp).

  2. Create a Library Folder:

    • Within your Arduino project directory, create a new folder named "libraries" if it doesn't already exist. This folder is where you'll store all external libraries used in your project.
    • Inside the "libraries" folder, create a new folder for the SHA-3 library, such as "tiny_sha3".

  3. Copy Library Files:

    • Copy the downloaded library files (the .h and .c/.cpp files) into the newly created "tiny_sha3" folder. This structure ensures that the Arduino IDE can recognize and compile the library.

  4. Include the Library in Your Sketch:

    • In your main Arduino sketch (.ino file), include the library's header file using the #include directive. For tiny_sha3, this would typically look like:
    #include <tiny_sha3.h>
    • This line tells the Arduino compiler to include the declarations and definitions from the tiny_sha3 library, making its functions available in your sketch.

  5. Verify the Integration:

    • To ensure the library is correctly integrated, write a simple test function that calls a SHA-3 function. For example, you might hash a short message and print the result to the serial monitor.
    • Compile and upload the sketch to your Arduino board. If the compilation is successful and the output is as expected, the library is properly integrated.

Best Practices for Library Integration

  • Folder Structure: Maintain a consistent folder structure for all libraries. This makes it easier to manage dependencies and keeps your project organized.
  • Header Files: Ensure that all necessary header files are included in your sketch. Missing headers can lead to compilation errors.
  • Library Conflicts: Be mindful of potential conflicts between different libraries. If you encounter issues, try renaming library functions or using namespaces.
  • Documentation: Refer to the library's documentation for specific integration instructions and usage examples. This can help you avoid common pitfalls and optimize your code.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate the tiny_sha3 library (or your chosen SHA-3 implementation) into your Arduino project structure. This integration is a foundational step for conducting CPU benchmarking and measuring the performance of Post-Quantum primitives within the Arduino environment.

Verifying Hash Correctness Using NIST Test Vectors (Known Answer Tests)

Verifying hash correctness is a critical step in integrating a SHA-3 library for CPU benchmarking. Known Answer Tests (KATs), provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), offer a reliable method to ensure the SHA-3 implementation produces the correct hash outputs. By comparing the results of your implementation against these NIST test vectors, you can validate its accuracy and integrity. This process is essential for building confidence in your benchmark results.

What are NIST Test Vectors?

NIST test vectors are a set of predefined inputs and their corresponding hash outputs. These vectors are meticulously generated and validated to serve as a gold standard for cryptographic algorithm implementations. By running these test vectors through your SHA-3 implementation and comparing the outputs, you can determine whether your implementation is functioning correctly.

Steps to Verify Hash Correctness

  1. Obtain NIST Test Vectors:

    • NIST provides test vectors for various SHA-3 variants (SHA3-224, SHA3-256, SHA3-384, SHA3-512) and different input lengths. You can find these test vectors in NIST's cryptographic standards and test data repositories.
    • Download the appropriate test vectors for the specific SHA-3 variant you are using (e.g., SHA3-256).

  2. Implement Test Functions:

    • Create test functions in your Arduino sketch that take the NIST test vector inputs and compute their SHA-3 hashes using the integrated library.
    • These functions should be designed to handle different input lengths and SHA-3 variants.

  3. Compare Outputs:

    • Compare the hash outputs generated by your implementation with the corresponding outputs in the NIST test vectors.
    • This comparison can be done programmatically by comparing the byte arrays or by printing the hashes to the serial monitor and comparing them manually.

  4. Handle Discrepancies:

    • If the generated hash outputs do not match the NIST test vectors, it indicates an issue in your SHA-3 implementation or integration. Common causes include incorrect function calls, byte ordering issues, or algorithm misinterpretations.
    • Debug your code by reviewing the SHA-3 algorithm implementation, checking for errors in input processing, and verifying the hash computation logic.

Best Practices for Verification

  • Comprehensive Testing: Use a wide range of NIST test vectors, including different input lengths and SHA-3 variants, to ensure thorough testing.
  • Automated Testing: Implement automated test scripts that run the test vectors and compare the outputs. This streamlines the verification process and reduces the risk of manual errors.
  • Error Reporting: Include clear error reporting in your test functions. If a mismatch is detected, log the input, expected output, and actual output for debugging purposes.
  • Regular Verification: Perform hash correctness verification whenever you make changes to the SHA-3 implementation or integration. This helps prevent the introduction of errors.

By rigorously verifying the hash correctness using NIST test vectors, you can ensure the reliability of your SHA-3 implementation. This validation is crucial for the integrity of your CPU benchmarking efforts, as it guarantees that the performance measurements are based on a correctly functioning cryptographic algorithm.

Running the Benchmark and Recording the "Baseline" Time in ms

Running the benchmark and recording the baseline time is the final step in our SHA-3 integration process for CPU benchmarking. This involves executing the SHA-3 hashing algorithm on your target hardware and measuring the time it takes to complete. The baseline time serves as a reference point for future optimizations and comparisons. Accurate benchmarking is crucial for evaluating the performance of your software-based Post-Quantum primitives.

Setting Up the Benchmark

  1. Prepare Test Data:

    • Create a set of test data with varying input lengths. Using different sizes of input data helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the SHA-3 implementation's performance characteristics.
    • Consider using data sizes that are relevant to your application or use case.

  2. Implement the Benchmark Function:

    • Write a benchmark function that performs the SHA-3 hashing operation multiple times. This helps to amortize the overhead of function calls and timing measurements, providing more accurate results.
    • The function should take the input data and the number of iterations as parameters.

  3. Timing Mechanism:

    • Use a precise timing mechanism to measure the execution time. On Arduino, the micros() function provides microsecond-level precision, which is suitable for most benchmarking purposes.
    • Record the start time before the hashing operation and the end time after the hashing operation.

  4. Iterative Execution:

    • Run the benchmark function multiple times for each input data size. This helps to reduce the impact of variations in system load and other factors that can affect performance.
    • Calculate the average execution time for each input size.

Recording the Baseline Time

  1. Execute the Benchmark:

    • Run the benchmark function for each input data size and record the execution times.
    • Ensure that the system is in a stable state during the benchmark to minimize external interference.

  2. Calculate the Average Time:

    • For each input data size, calculate the average execution time by summing the individual execution times and dividing by the number of iterations.
    • This average time represents the baseline time for the SHA-3 hashing operation on your hardware.

  3. Document the Results:

    • Record the baseline times in a structured format, such as a table or a CSV file. Include the input data size, number of iterations, and average execution time.
    • Document the hardware and software configuration used for the benchmark, including the Arduino board type, clock speed, and compiler version.

  4. Analyze the Data:

    • Analyze the benchmark results to understand the performance characteristics of the SHA-3 implementation. Look for trends in execution time as the input data size changes.
    • Use the baseline times as a reference point for evaluating the impact of optimizations and other changes to the SHA-3 implementation.

Best Practices for Benchmarking

  • Isolate the Environment: Minimize background processes and other activities that can interfere with the benchmark results.
  • Warm-Up Period: Include a warm-up period before recording the benchmark times. This allows the system to stabilize and reduces the impact of initial setup overhead.
  • Consistent Methodology: Use a consistent methodology for all benchmarks to ensure comparability of results.
  • Multiple Runs: Perform multiple benchmark runs and calculate the average execution time to reduce the impact of variations in system load.
  • Statistical Analysis: Consider using statistical analysis techniques to identify outliers and assess the significance of performance differences.

By carefully running the benchmark and recording the baseline time, you can establish a solid foundation for evaluating the performance of your SHA-3 implementation. This baseline will be invaluable for future optimizations and comparisons, ensuring that your software-based Post-Quantum primitives are performing at their best.

In conclusion, integrating a SHA-3 software library for CPU benchmarking is a multifaceted process that involves selecting a suitable library, integrating it into your project, verifying its correctness, and running benchmarks to record baseline performance. By following these steps meticulously, you can accurately measure the performance of software-based Post-Quantum primitives and ensure the integrity of your cryptographic implementations. Remember to explore trusted resources like the NIST website for further information and best practices in cryptographic benchmarking.