Hyperpulse Generator
The Inner Sphere is a massive expanse of inhabited space, far larger than most residents are capable of grasping. In order to travel from one system to another, a combination of DropShips (for atmospheric entry) and JumpShips (for transport) are employed. Messages were carried by hand by JumpShip couriers, meaning these messages could take anywhere between a week to months to reach their intended recepients. Luckily, there was a technology being developed by the old Star League which would replace most of the routine message traffic. The same theories which gave rise to the JumpShips included the means of creating an "artificial Jump point", which required an enormous amount of power to send mass through. However, data transmissions were entirely capable of being sent to an effective limit of one terabyte, with an effective range of fifty light years before it would need another transmitter to relay the signal. The Star League scientists managed to take this from theoretical to experimental, and then into production relatively quickly. The Hyperpulse Generator network became the backbone of communication across the Inner Sphere through "Star League Comnet", which would later become "ComStar".
A Hyperpulse Generator (HPG) takes two forms, only one of which has survived the Succession Wars: being integrated into a planetary installation, and mobile generators which could be installed on large spacecraft or used by ground forces. The Succession Wars relegated most of the mobile generators to the past tense, while ComStar operates and protects the planetary generators through a combination of hired mercenaries and neutrality agreements. The facilities consist of an enormous transmission antenna, protection from electromagnetic pulses, and integrated power generation which make the HPG station itself extraordinarily difficult to shut off except from within. Additional structures are present to provide comfort for the staff, data storage centers, and further defenses to discourage attempts to seize control of the compounds. These planetary installations are present on many of the worlds, though they may vary on how often they transmit messages. Some of the busier stations have a daily transmission routine, while others may wait a few days in order to bundle as much data as possible before transmitting.
As of 3033, all HPGs within the Inner Sphere are held under ComStar control and operated solely by their personnel. The Great Houses agreed to cede this control to ComStar in exchange for security in knowing interstellar communications would be unimpeded. The other side of this agreement is quietly understood by many - action against ComStar personnel can result in having the right to service revoked. Attempting to circumvent this "interdiction" of service can bring more significant penalties. Since courier ships carry messages at a much slower pace, such interdictions can cause serious problems to those targeted for interdiction.
External Link: More detailed information can be found at (Hyperpulse Generator) on the BattleTech Wiki.
A Hyperpulse Generator (HPG) takes two forms, only one of which has survived the Succession Wars: being integrated into a planetary installation, and mobile generators which could be installed on large spacecraft or used by ground forces. The Succession Wars relegated most of the mobile generators to the past tense, while ComStar operates and protects the planetary generators through a combination of hired mercenaries and neutrality agreements. The facilities consist of an enormous transmission antenna, protection from electromagnetic pulses, and integrated power generation which make the HPG station itself extraordinarily difficult to shut off except from within. Additional structures are present to provide comfort for the staff, data storage centers, and further defenses to discourage attempts to seize control of the compounds. These planetary installations are present on many of the worlds, though they may vary on how often they transmit messages. Some of the busier stations have a daily transmission routine, while others may wait a few days in order to bundle as much data as possible before transmitting.
As of 3033, all HPGs within the Inner Sphere are held under ComStar control and operated solely by their personnel. The Great Houses agreed to cede this control to ComStar in exchange for security in knowing interstellar communications would be unimpeded. The other side of this agreement is quietly understood by many - action against ComStar personnel can result in having the right to service revoked. Attempting to circumvent this "interdiction" of service can bring more significant penalties. Since courier ships carry messages at a much slower pace, such interdictions can cause serious problems to those targeted for interdiction.
External Link: More detailed information can be found at (Hyperpulse Generator) on the BattleTech Wiki.
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