There have been several comments on eliminating the user input portion of the random selection algorithm. This would, primarily, provide the capability to automate the prefix generation process. After assessing issues with this, I have two possible proposals:
1. Re-use the random ID process defined in Appendix A.6 in RFC 1889. That algorithm derives a 32-bit number from the system clock, system name, process ID, and several other system-related IDs. It would have to be modified slightly to provide a 40-bit value.
2. Replace the user-supplied birthday value with a system derived value (EUI has been suggested). The system clock would still be utilized as a portion of the input to MD5.
It should be noted that #1 will return the same value on repeated calls until the system clock changes or a different value is passed in as a parameter.
At this point, my preference is for #1, since it has been tested as a part of RTCP and the probability function is well-defined in the rfc.
If others have differing opinions, let me know.
Thanks, Brian H.
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