PART 1.
Discussion thread: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5517607
This software demonstrates various ways to solve the ECDLP using Kangaroos. The required number of operations is approximately K * sqrt(range), where K is a coefficient that depends on the method used. This software demonstrates four methods:
1 - Classic. The simplest method. There are two groups of kangaroos: tame and wild. As soon as a collision between any tame and wild kangaroos happens, the ECDLP is solved. In practice, K is approximately 2.1 for this method.
2 - 3-way. A more advanced method. There are three groups of kangaroos: tame, wild1, and wild2. As soon as a collision happens between any two types of kangaroos, the ECDLP is solved. In practice, K is approximately 1.6 for this method.
3 - Mirror. This method uses two groups of kangaroos and the symmetry of the elliptic curve to improve K. Another trick is to reduce the range for wild kangaroos. In practice, K is approximately 1.3 for this method. The main issue with this method is that the kangaroos loop continuously.
4 - SOTA. This method uses three groups of kangaroos and the symmetry of the elliptic curve. In practice, K is approximately 1.15 for this method. The main issue is the same as in the Mirror method. I couldn’t find any papers about this method, so let's assume that I invented it :) See "diagram.jpg" for details.
Important note: this software handles kangaroo looping in a very simple way. This method is bad for large ranges higher than 100 bits. Next part will demonstrate a good way to handle loops.