DataNet

DataNets are the Magdoran term for large-scale data sharing and hosting networks for computational devices. The term DataNet itself is a portmanteau of "Data Sharing Network", though it only retains its capitalizations in official usage. Further, while individual and named DataNets have been known to exist within Conglomerate space, they are often broadly referred to as "*the* datanet", as opposed to being specifically named.

## Magdoran DataNets

While the precise origin of modern DataNets is disputed among Magdoran historians, it is abundantly clear that the core ideals of a DataNet would become quickly apparent, and more importantly, useful, shortly after the advent of relatively modern computing systems. These initial networks were small, and largely focused on centralising both control and storage systems, particularly in laboratories, libraries, and factories. As long-range and wireless communication became more advanced, it became easier- and in some cases more necessary- to interlink these smaller networks, while also opening them up to independent users. This would continue to grow until reaching its modern state, where it would be available to all citizens from practically anywhere, and where the communications and entertainment aspects of the DataNet would eclipse the industrial and scientific utilities of it.

## Xeno DataNets

Magdoran historians generally agree that most known DataNets, and their analogous structures, arrived through a similar process to how the Magdoran one did, however there are a number of details that vary between each species.

### Elbians, Tarridans, etc

As the Elbians and Tarridans, and any other so-called "Titanborne" species, developed with access to functional Titan computers and DataNets, they did not independently develop the technology as such, and knew of the utility of both from a much earlier time. Their own computers and DataNets would only truly begin to develop when they gained the ability to reverse-engineer said Titan artefacts, and eventually begin producing ones of their own.

As their architecture is largely based on Titan designs however, the computers and DataNets of "Titanborne" races is generally vulnerable to the same attacks, including Magdoran thread-worm viruses.

### Liiya

While Liiya development of computers and DataNets remained roughly identical to their Magdoran counterparts, they had both advantages and a number of downsides to such, due to both their aquatic nature and the unique physiology of the Liiya.

In the case of being wholly aquatic creatures, as with many other things of electrical nature, the Liiya had to take much greater care in ensuring their computers were incapable of electrifying anything in their proximity. While this was not an issue for their earliest designs, they would quickly begin needing to use robust hermetic sealing systems as their computers grew in electrical use. This would stunt their development for a time, however they would eventually return to a "typical" pattern after insulation became cheaper and easier.

In terms of Liiya biology however, it is known that some of the earliest experiments with Liiya-made DataNets- even before global adoption- involved the potential use of one to directly link a number of Liiya, as if they were sharing direct contact. In principle, this allowed them to communicate far more directly than most other species would be capable of even centuries later- however, one flaw that was quickly discerned with this was a number of often overlooked "pheremones" that Liiya utilize in direct communication with each other. While space-age Liiya communications systems would come standard with systems to synthesize simpler versions of these pheremones, this would leave early communications technology on par with equivalents from other species decades ahead of their development.

### Quel

As with many things about the Quel, they entirely lack a greater DataNet, however computer systems built by them do follow vaguely standardized systems that allow intercommunication. It is believed that the lack of a communal DataNet, or rather the technology that would be involved in one and would likewise stem from one, was a key factor in why the Quel never developed more advanced computational and control units, particularly in regards to spacecraft control systems and robotics. In both cases, the Quel are still considered to be in the early stages of spaceflight development, with many of their more advanced technologies coming from looting or random luck.

### Vishkalai

On the surface, the Vishkalai have a near identical history to the Magdorans. However, there are two key details to deviate them:

First, as the Vishkalai developed on a world rife with sources of interference, they had to develop significantly into shielding, much like the Liiya. This included on their local wireless and orbital relay technology, which itself would tie into the second key factor: They had a much stronger grasp of energy field manipulation, and directed energy technology well before becoming a spacefaring species, which while initially used for cultural purposes and to help fend off the worst parts of their homeworld's weather, would later translate into a much greater direct performance from virtually all of their computational systems at analogous points in Magdoran history, rivalling even the Ucrylium-driven computers that would remain on the cutting edge of Magdoran technology well beyond first contact between the two.