Communication

Communications technology is an essential aspect of the Outrealms setting, as it allows for the exchange of information over the vast interstellar distances within the galaxy. This page provides an overview of how such technology functions.

## Distances

* Planetary: Planetary communication takes place within a planetary atmosphere, and does not involve sending signals through the void of space. Planetary communication is nearly ubiquitous throughout the galaxy, with even backwater worlds tending to have widespread access to it. Planetary tier communication devices are inbuilt into most vehicles designed to operate within an atmosphere, and also is possible through the use of various handheld devices. The majority of civilized worlds can produce plenty of equipment that is capable of sending signals across a planet of its own accord, though sparsely populated or unindustrialized worlds may also make use of signal arrays that allow lower quality, lower range devices to transmit over larger distances. Planetary communication is almost always near instantaneous, allowing for the live transmission of text, audio, images, and holographs.

* Substellar: Substellar communication entails sending signals through the void of space, but within the confines of a solar system. Most substellar communication equipment is too large to carry around conveniently, and is usually stored within spacefaring vehicles, in a section of a home, or in a designated communication center. It is possible to make use of substellar communication using handheld devices, but such high quality equipment tends to be rather expensive, and is often reserved for members of the upper middle class or higher, as well as organizations with access to substantial wealth. Substellar communication is usually instantaneous, though poorer quality technology can lead to delays in transmission of up to several minutes.

* Interstellar: Interstellar communication requires sending signals beyond a solar system, and is a deal more difficult and slow than substellar and planetary communication. Interstellar communication requires the use of signal relays, voidborn structures constructed at the edges of star systems which use warp technology to propel signals through space at faster than light speeds. Generally speaking, communication devices connect to signal relays, then send messages through them, with relays sending the transmission through one another until it eventually reaches its final destination. Unmanned relays are common in sparsely inhabited parts of space, and simply accept signals and transmit them in the requested direction, unless automated to require some form of access code. They are much more prone to error. Relay stations, run by either organic beings or cyberminds, can transmit signals more selectively, running them through faster, more secure routes to their destinations. Individuals running relay stations are capable of reading insufficiently encrypted messages, allowing for espionage. In terms of the time it takes for interstellar communication to take place, it varies depending on how many signal relays exist in an area of space and how high quality they are. In the Galactic Core, for instance, signals usually only take a few hours to reach their destination, while sparsely settled areas require days or even weeks for signals to travel.