How come Google Authenticator doesn't need a network connection?

[earthw0rmjim]

Hey!

I'm just curious why doesn't google authenticator need a network connection to work.
Can someone explain plz?

Thanks in advance.

 

[El Presidente]

It works in the same way RSA tokens do, using an algorithm based on the time and the tokens unique ID.

I know it's Yahoo answers, but this pretty much sums it up better than I can: How does my RSA security token (Secure ID) work? - Yahoo! Answers

 

[earthw0rmjim]

Thanks!

 

[El Presidente]

No Probs!