Subspace Communications Network

The
 speed of propagation of a subspace signal continues to be the limiting
factor in any long-range communications. Subspace radio signals, even
those highly focused and radially polarized, will decay over time, as
the energies forced across the subspace threshold will tend to "surface"
 to become normal slower EM. As this decay occurs, enormous amounts of
information are lost, since the modulated signal does not decay evenly.

The propagation
speed under ideal galactic conditions is equivalent to Warp Factor
9.9997. This places subspace radio about sixty times faster than the
fastest starship, either existing or predicted. The phenomenon, which
occurs at distances proportional to the peak radiated power of the
outgoing beam with an upper distance limit of 22.65 light years, has
necessitated the placement of untended relay booster beacons and small
numbers of crew-tended communications bases at intervals of twenty light
 years, forming irregular strings of cells along major trade lanes and
areas of ongoing exploration.

### Network Logistics

Within the Federation, Starfleet's subspace communications network is supplemented
by the Federation's civil communications system, as well as by various
local networks. New relay beacons are placed as areas of the galaxy are
charted; small expendable beacons are carried aboard the Solstice and
other starships as temporary devices until permanent units can be
placed. Already the extended exploration and patrol range of Starfleet
vessels is so great that over 500 new subspace relays are made
operational each year.

Starfleet is
continuing to conduct experiments with higher energy levels in an
attempt to drive communications signals into "deeper" layers of
subspace, where it is thought the signal will travel farther prior to
decay. If this is indeed feasible, it may someday be possible to
eliminate up to 80% of the installed boosters.

Long-range
subspace communications are vital to the continued effective operations
of starships and their attendant planetside and free-flying base
stations. Federation policy is formulated and carried out based on the
rapid and accurate conveyance of orders, analyses, opinions, and
scientific and technical information.

### Exploration And Galaxy Growth

While the hardware
 and processes have been thoroughly described, the basic concept of
communications is more important than the preceding sections might
imply. In a very real sense, the unceasing beat of life in the galaxy is
 dependent upon communications.

Multiple levels of
 organization exist in the Milky Way, ranging from 1033 cm to 10u km.
Quarks and subatomic particles populate the lower end and lead to larger
 structures, through molecules, organic chemicals, and bioforms. At the
higher end, atoms assemble into planets, solar systems, stellar
clusters, and density waves in the galaxy. Each new level exhibits its
own paradigm governing interactions, the exchange of energy and
information.

As sentient beings
 developed and progressed outward toward space, the exchange of
information provided the necessary constant stimulus to learn more about
 the surrounding universe and to pursue the exploration of the galaxy.
Contact among different cultures has led to real communications, in part
 facilitated by subspace transmission methods. While a small fraction of
 early contacts has resulted in hostilities, through misinterpretations
of intentions or actual aggressive movement, most cultural
compatibility problems have been solved through determined negotiations
once common meeting grounds were found.

In the view of many scholars, the entire Milky Way galaxy is
experiencing a gradual acceleration in the rate of overall development
because of continuing communications between sentient beings. The
Federation's Prime Directive notwithstanding, a number of technological
civilizations are "catching up" at various rates, leading to what some
consider will be an inevitable single broad leading edge of exploration
and scientific discovery.

The exact
direction this wave front will take will remain an unknown, just as the
future has always remained unknown. Tantalizing glimmers, however, will
still be seen and shared, helping us to deal with the unexpected while
preserving the excitement and sense of accomplishment.

### Tachyonic Theory

Normal space
communications utilize electronic wavicles traveling at light
speed:photons. Subspace Communications utilize gravitonic wavicles
traveling at enormously greater speeds:tachyons.

Photons travel at
an inherent velocity of 300,000,000 meters per second. Tachyons are
variable in velocity, the speed depending on the energy state of the
tachyon.

For Starfleet
communication purposes, tachyons are excited to the maximum speed
attainable in intergalactic space - Warp 9.997 . faster tachyonic Speeds
 can only be speeds can only be achieved by the tachyons generated
between galaxies. this speed limitation is due to the microgravitational
 "texture" of the seemingly flat space /time Matrix fabric in
Interstellar space.

As stated above,
the speed of the gravitational wavicles, is controlled by the tachyons
energy state, and this by the transmitter power output. the greater the
available power, the faster the tachyons. starbases, major planetary
communication centers, and class 1-b starships can broadcast at warp
factor 9.997 due to their enormous power reserves. minor planetary
communications usually broadcast at warp factor 8. small spacecraft are
hard pressed to broadcast at warp factor 7.

### Communication Band Frequencies

The gravitation
wavicles can be be frequency modulated just as are electronic wavicles.
Thus, subspace is divided into various frequencies in a similar fashion
as normal space. various section of frequencies have set aside for
private, commercial, and military usage. in particular a universally
agreed upon section of frequencies has been reserved as "hailing
Frequencies" these are off limits except to vessels making initial
contact with other ships or planetary bases.

As well a distinct
 band of frequencies has been reserved as "Distress Frequencies",
spacecraft injeopardy, planets facing catastrophe, and recorder marker
buoys all use these frequencies. the entire band is constantly monitored
 by the Communications officer aboard starships and star bases.

Other frequency bands include :

* Starfleet operations
* Private
* News/Entertainment
* Spacecraft Control
* Private Citizens
* Starfleet admiralty
* Starfleet intelligence

When encountering a
 transmission (normal space or subspace) two tasks are immediately faced
 by the Officer on duty. if the signal is from an alien source, the
second task will be that of translation. this is almost completely
automated, relying upon concept symbol recognition computer analog
programs - known collectively as the Universal Translator. However, even
 when the signal is in standard English, communication cannot take place
 until it is legible, and transmissions are susceptible to corruption.
such factors as distance, gravitational fields, environmental radiation,
 enemy jamming, atmospheric conditions, and more can cause this.

Enhancement is
accomplished by running the incoming signal through a series of sub
programs which act as selective permeable electronic filters. this
process can be monitored visually, so as to ensure that the chosen sub
program does in fact improve the signal- to noise- ratio, and is no way
deleting part of the the underlying message. choice of filter and fine
tuning the same calls for judgment and experience - it cannot be
computer automated.