Open Problems on the Cross-correlation of m-Sequences

Abstract

Pseudorandom sequences are important for many applications in communication systems, in coding theory, and in the design of stream ciphers. Maximumlength linear sequences (or m-sequences) are popular in sequence designs due to their long period and excellent pseudorandom properties. In code-division multiple-access (CDMA) applications, there is a demand for large families of sequences having good correlation properties. The best families of sequences in these applications frequently use m-sequences in their constructions. Therefore, the problem of determining the correlation properties of m-sequences has received a lot of attention since the 1960s, and many interesting theoretical results of practical interest have been obtained. The cross-correlation of m-sequences is also related to other important problems, such as almost perfect nonlinear functions (APN) and almost bent functions (AB), and to the nonlinearity of S-boxes in many block ciphers including AES. This chapter gives an updated survey of the cross-correlation of m-sequences and describes some of the most important open problems that still remain in this area.