Difference between revisions of "Black Box"
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Black Boxes are believed to have been the result of experiments by Star League scientists in the late [[26th Century]], and were probably abandoned in the [[27th Century]] with the creation of the fast, more efficient hyperpulse generators. How Katrina Steiner came to discover this technology is unknown, but when she returned from the [[Periphery]] after her one-year disappearance in [[3005]] she brought back an example.<ref name=W39>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 68</ref> | Black Boxes are believed to have been the result of experiments by Star League scientists in the late [[26th Century]], and were probably abandoned in the [[27th Century]] with the creation of the fast, more efficient hyperpulse generators. How Katrina Steiner came to discover this technology is unknown, but when she returned from the [[Periphery]] after her one-year disappearance in [[3005]] she brought back an example.<ref name=W39>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 68</ref> | ||
| − | When the Lyrans allied with the [[Federated Suns]] to form the [[Federated Commonwealth]] in [[3020]], one of the secrets shared with the Suns was the existence of the black box technology. Working in conjunction with the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]], the [[Department of Military Communications and Research]] was born, and in November [[3027]] demonstrated the use of the black boxes for military communication | + | When the Lyrans allied with the [[Federated Suns]] to form the [[Federated Commonwealth]] in [[3020]], one of the secrets shared with the Suns was the existence of the black box technology. Working in conjunction with the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]], the [[Department of Military Communications and Research]] was born, and in November [[3027]] demonstrated the use of the black boxes for military communication. Within months the Department was distributing dozens of black boxes to military commands throughout the [[AFFS]] and [[LCAF]]. Black boxes would prove instrumental in the [[Fourth Succession War]], especially when [[ComStar]] instituted a communications blackout within FedCom territory on false pretenses.<ref name=W39/> |
However, during the war the [[Draconis Combine]] was able to recover several black boxes, and would use them during the [[War of 3039]]. While not completely lax in their encryption protocols, neither the Lyrans nor Suns believed that the Combine had access to their technology, and so many of their messages were intercepted and used against them during the war.<ref name=W39/> ComStar also became aware of the black box technology, and stepped up efforts to target members of the Department of Military Communications.<ref>''20 Year Update'', p.16</ref> Realizing that their enemies had access to their technology, FedCom redoubled their efforts to encrypt their transmissions, though it would not be until [[3051]] during the [[Clan Invasion]] that the Combine formally revealed its own possession of black boxes.<ref name=W39/> | However, during the war the [[Draconis Combine]] was able to recover several black boxes, and would use them during the [[War of 3039]]. While not completely lax in their encryption protocols, neither the Lyrans nor Suns believed that the Combine had access to their technology, and so many of their messages were intercepted and used against them during the war.<ref name=W39/> ComStar also became aware of the black box technology, and stepped up efforts to target members of the Department of Military Communications.<ref>''20 Year Update'', p.16</ref> Realizing that their enemies had access to their technology, FedCom redoubled their efforts to encrypt their transmissions, though it would not be until [[3051]] during the [[Clan Invasion]] that the Combine formally revealed its own possession of black boxes.<ref name=W39/> | ||
Revision as of 13:11, 17 October 2011
A Black Box, also known as a Fax Machine or K-series transmitter, is a special type of faster-than-light communications device, operating through the same hyperspace medium used by Jump Drives and hyperpulse generators. Initially discovered by the Star League, it would be rediscovered by Archon Katrina Steiner, her lover Duke Arthur Luvon of Donegal, and Morgan Kell of the Kell Hounds mercenary unit. Black boxes would become a critical means of communication for the Lyran Commonwealth and its allies.
Contents
History
Black Boxes are believed to have been the result of experiments by Star League scientists in the late 26th Century, and were probably abandoned in the 27th Century with the creation of the fast, more efficient hyperpulse generators. How Katrina Steiner came to discover this technology is unknown, but when she returned from the Periphery after her one-year disappearance in 3005 she brought back an example.[1]
When the Lyrans allied with the Federated Suns to form the Federated Commonwealth in 3020, one of the secrets shared with the Suns was the existence of the black box technology. Working in conjunction with the New Avalon Institute of Science, the Department of Military Communications and Research was born, and in November 3027 demonstrated the use of the black boxes for military communication. Within months the Department was distributing dozens of black boxes to military commands throughout the AFFS and LCAF. Black boxes would prove instrumental in the Fourth Succession War, especially when ComStar instituted a communications blackout within FedCom territory on false pretenses.[1]
However, during the war the Draconis Combine was able to recover several black boxes, and would use them during the War of 3039. While not completely lax in their encryption protocols, neither the Lyrans nor Suns believed that the Combine had access to their technology, and so many of their messages were intercepted and used against them during the war.[1] ComStar also became aware of the black box technology, and stepped up efforts to target members of the Department of Military Communications.[2] Realizing that their enemies had access to their technology, FedCom redoubled their efforts to encrypt their transmissions, though it would not be until 3051 during the Clan Invasion that the Combine formally revealed its own possession of black boxes.[1]
Operation
Unlike an HPG, a black box radiates a signal that propagates outward through hyperspace, like ripples in a pond. However, it was believed by Star League scientists that this phenomenon would interfere with the workings of jump drives and HPG transmitters. These black boxes, while only the size of a briefcase and so much more portable, could not compare to HPGs in terms of speed or size of message that could be transmitted, which prompted their initial abandonment.[1]
When rediscovered and adopted by FedCom, all black boxes were fitted with a self-destruct and tracking device. These safeguards were assumed to be enough to prevent their misuse, however the events of the War of 3039 would prove otherwise. Since its adoption, a number of different black box models have produced.[1]
K-0 Series
The original black box, these devices could send a message no more than two hundred kilobytes of data at roughly ten light-years a day, with a maximum range of a hundred light-years.
K-1 Series
An improved model implemented and used during the Fourth Succession War, it increased the speed and range to twenty-five light-years per day and two hundred light-years respectively.
K-1A Series
Introduced just prior to the War of 3039, the K-1A improved the device's range to four hundred and fifty light-years.
K-2 Series
The K-2 was introduced in 3042, improving message speed to fifty light-years per day and including a hardwired encryption feature, a result of DCMS eavesdropping.
K-4 Series
A true revolution in black box technology, the K-4 was introduced in 3048 and increased message speeds to one hundred light-years per day with a range of six hundred light-years. It also increases the size of the data packet that can be sent, allowing for megabytes of data to be transmitted.
K-5/K-6 Series
Introduced sometime around after the Clan Invasion, K-5 and K-6 black boxes are still highly classified, although it is believed they can send messages are much faster rates, allowing them to contact any planet within the Inner Sphere in a week.