Computing & Networks

Overview

Despite the physical limitations of light-speed communications between stars, a complex ecosystem of networks, computing platforms, artificial intelligences, and old-fashioned relay systems maintain the flow of information that sustains human society in the 24th century.

Historical Development

The foundations of modern computing emerged during Earth's final decades, evolving rapidly during the exodus and early colonization period. As humanity spread beyond Sol, the need for reliable information exchange across interstellar distances drove innovation in predictive algorithms, data compression, and asynchronous communication protocols. The emergence of the StellarNet in 2217 marked a turning point, creating the first standardized interstellar information framework. This was shortly followed by the mysterious appearance of CryptNet, an encrypted subprotocol that integrated itself at the base level of StellarNet functionality, forever altering humanity's relationship with its own technology.

Computing Hardware

Personal computing technology has evolved into diverse form factors, all with capabilities that dwarf 21st century standards:

• Mobiles: Handheld devices with powerful processing capabilities, holographic projection, and neural interface compatibility. These versatile tools serve as personal assistants, communication devices, and work platforms.
• Decks: Specialized high-capacity mobile computers used by professionals requiring enhanced processing power, such as programmers, data analysts, engineers, and security specialists.
• Racks: Aka Iron, these terms are used for stationary computing nodes and servers, typically found in homes, businesses, research facilities, in space stations, on starships, and as core components of larger networks.

Most computing hardware incorporates modular design principles, allowing for upgrades and customization without full replacement. Rarer quantum computing systems handle specific tasks requiring massive parallel processing, while conventional processors manage most day-to-day functions.

Interface Technologies

Modern computing interfaces have moved far beyond simple screens and keyboards:

• Lenses: aka 'Rets' or 'Oculars'. Advanced contact lenses that provide augmented and virtual reality overlays directly to the wearer's vision. When paired with conductive mic patches applied to the jaw or cheek, they enable comprehensive audiovisual input and output.*
• vBoards: Virtual keyboards projected onto any surface or rendered in AR space, interpreting the user's hand and arm motions as input commands.
• Neural Interfaces: From non-invasive headbands that detect and interpret neural activity to fully implanted Ford-Bitter systems allowing direct mind-to-machine communication. Contrary to popular belief neural interfaces aren't 'reading thoughts', they must be trained to a users specific neural and biosignals to synchronize input-output expectations.
• Gesture Controls: Advanced motion tracking systems that can interpret subtle hand movements and body language as computer commands.
• Clatterboards: A popular term for analog 'key' style interfaces and those who use them

Some hardcore Virtuals skip Lenses and go for direct ocular implants but these are expensive and invasive. Neural InterfacesA related concept is 'Eye-patching' which is keeping one eye natural to protect against vision hacking, and 'Going ghost', not having a Lense at all because then there's no ambient signal for other Lenses and devices to detect and mesh with.

Network Infrastructure

CorpNets

Corporate networks accessible only to employee-citizens of specific companies. These networks feature strong security, constant monitoring, and varying levels of moderation, sufficient to maintain productivity while creating an illusion of freedom. Many corporations use their networks as both communication infrastructure and surveillance tools, tracking employee behaviour and productivity.

LocalNets

System-specific public networks that maintain synchronization through a combination of conventional light-speed transmissions, predictive sync algorithms, and conflict-free replicated data structures. LocalNets provide real-time communication and data access within a star system but require periodic updates from interstellar sources. LocalNets are typically managed by the faction in control of a given star system or planet.

StellarNet

The interstellar internet connecting human settlements across known space. This network consists of smaller system and planetary networks periodically synchronized via data replication. Ships traveling through Altspace serve as critical nodes, carrying highly compressed differential data stores between systems. While communication is instantaneous within a planet, system-wide exchanges may experience delays, and interstellar communication can take weeks or months depending on ship traffic.

The StellarNet infrastructure includes space stations, Altspace-capable ships, Altspace beacons, and dedicated StellarNet satellites. This network has gradually restored a sense of shared identity among scattered human populations, though it also serves as a vector for corporate and government surveillance, as its original design eliminated most anonymity. Sophisticated propaganda campaigns are common to the StellarNet.

CryptNet

A mysterious protocol that integrated itself like a virus into the StellarNet, leveraging the same infrastructure while fundamentally altering the underlying protocols to protect traffic with staggeringly complex and evolving encryption methods. Attempts to block or control CryptNet traffic invariably degrade StellarNet functionality, while actions that enhance CryptNet resources seem to improve overall network performance.

Multiple attempts by various factions to control the CryptNet have triggered devastating digital attacks on local infrastructure, leading authorities to reluctantly accept its presence while imposing legal restrictions on users. The creation of CryptNet is attributed to a rogue Artificial Superintelligence known as The Atlas Mind, though its origins and intentions remain enigmatic.

Artificial Intelligence

AI systems represent a spectrum of capabilities, from simple task-oriented programs to complex sentient entities:

• Expert Systems: Specialized AIs designed for specific tasks with limited adaptability beyond their core functions.
• Agents: Complex generalist AIs operating on local hardware that serve as personal assistants and computer interfaces.
• Dataforms: Powerful generalist AIs requiring specialized hardware that support teams, organizations, or communities.
• Emulations: Largely unsuccessful attempts to upload human consciousness into digital form.
• Replicas: AI systems trained to mimic specific individuals' behavior patterns.
• Artilects: Self-aware artificial superintelligences with their own goals and drives. Most known Artilects reside within the Daedalus Swarm, though rumors persist of others operating secretly throughout human space.

The development and regulation of AI vary significantly between factions, with the Solaris Republic maintaining strict controls, the Centauri Democratic Union pursuing integration, and the Covenant of the Sacred Assembly prohibiting advanced systems entirely.

Limitations

Despite impressive advancements, several fundamental limitations constrain computing technology:

• Signal Delay: Interstellar communication remains bound by light speed, with no instantaneous transmission possible between star systems.
• Security vs. Access: The tension between information security and accessibility creates vulnerabilities in even the most sophisticated systems.
• Human Interface Bottlenecks: The biological limitations of human perception and neural processing create natural constraints on interface design.
• AI Control: The difficulty of predicting or controlling advanced AI behavior has led to stringent regulations after several historic incidents.

No direct faster than light method of communication exists. The Quantum No-Signalling Theorem holds true, there are no Ansibles, and communication is relativistic, occurring at the speed of light with the all attendant issues. The closest thing to an exception to this is that ships that travel through Altspace can carry data and messages between star systems connected by Altspace faster than light can travel between them in Realspace. In most cases messages are transmitted through encrypted ship-board nodes and relays which act as secure 'delivery bags' that transmit their contents to in-system relays automatically once a ship has emerged from Altspace, but in some cases messages are sent using messenger ships whose sole purpose is to carry information between stars via Altspace.

Cultural Impact

Computing and network technology shapes human society across settled space, as it did on pre-exodus earth. In the Solaris Republic, networks serve both practical and propaganda functions, with military-grade security systems and controlled information flows. The CDU embraces an open information philosophy, supporting diverse content and citizen journalism despite corporate influence. The Lyran Stellar Confederation maintains the most open networks, with minimal regulation and strong privacy protections. The Covenant strictly regulates technology access, with networks focused on religious content and constant monitoring for heretical ideas.

Virtuals are individuals who primarily interact through virtual environments and form a distinct subculture across factions, sometimes developing stronger ties to digital communities than to their physical locations. The emergence of virtual reality environments has created entirely new art forms, entertainment venues, and social spaces that transcend physical boundaries.

Related Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence Systems
• Neural Interfaces
• Cybernetic Enhancements
• Communications Systems
• Data Storage Technology