Subspace Communications

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 times, as the energies forced across the subspace threshold will tend to "surface" to become normal slower electro magnetic (EM) signals. As this decay occurs, enormous amounts of information is lost, since the modulated signal does no decay evenly.

The propagation speed under ideal galactic conditions is equivalent to Warp Factor 9.9997, and this places subspace radio over fifty times faster than the fastest starship. 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.

New relay beacons are placed as areas of the galaxy are charted, and small expendable beacons are carried aboard Federation starships as temporary devices until permanent units can be replaced. 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 freeflying base operations. Federation policy is formulated and carried out based on the rapid and accurate conveyance of orders, analyses, opinions, and scientific and technical information.