Jason Donenfeld, from the Wireguard project, a high-performance VPN software, has submitted a patch to enhance the getrandom() function. This enables user-space programs to request high-speed random values.
The getrandom() function is approximately 15 times faster than the previous random value request function. This function is essential for various encryption software such as VPNs like Wireguard.
This new function utilizes the vDSO (virtual dynamic shared object) feature to fetch memory space from the kernel and incorporate it into the application, instead of making traditional system calls that incur CPU-consuming interrupts. Previously, functions in Linux, such as gettimeofday, have been switched from system calls to vDSO.
Donenfeld has been trying to submit this patch to the project since 2022 and has already made 20 revisions. If this patch is accepted, it is likely to be included in Linux 6.11.
Source: Phoronix, linux-kernel mailing list
TLDR: Jason Donenfeld of Wireguard introduced a patch for the getrandom() function, significantly boosting speed for random value requests in user-space programs. Utilizing the vDSO feature, the patch aims to reduce CPU overhead and improve efficiency in encryption software like VPNs.
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