Cybersphere

The cyberspheres are the total integrated computer networks that connect to the transmission satellites, providing complete wireless access to the cybersphere anywhere in the world. Anyone can connect to a cybersphere no matter where they are on the world with a s-link unit. Cyberspheres contain the complex networks and datapools of the local world, accessible to any citizen with hook-ups. Cyberspheres contain all the connected networks of the planet, including entertainment channels, financial accounts and communications. Everything is conducted through the cybersphere. Cyberspheres are linked together to form the Uninet.

Cyberspheres feature datapools; these are large databases that virtually contain all the information generated by the cybersphere. From communication logs to i-shows to governmental reports, datapools are dumping grounds for information in the local ‘sphere. While some programs exist to keep information from entering the datapools, most data is stored in these vast databases. Manually searching the datapools is physically impossible so special search programs are used extensively. ‘Trawling’ is the act of searching through the combined datapools for specific information; ‘trawler’ programs are very commonly employed by citizens.

Almost everyone on a world with a cybersphere is connected by some means; for it provides communication to anyone on the world in addition to all other services. Most citizens employ a s-link, a wireless device that links to cybersphere, and a visual medium. Upper classes have visual implants, such as optronics, and wireless wetware uplinks to ensure constant connection to the cybersphere. Others may employ handheld devices for their s-links and cheaper visual methods such as dataglasses. Public access terminals exist through out civilized locations that perform limited function; on corporate worlds these usually have a fee associated with use.

Backwater worlds and those on the frontier usually don’t have cyberspheres. Instead, these worlds will usually employ a low-tech network similar to the ancient ‘internet’ networking system. Some of these data networks are global while others are merely regional at best. Almost all worlds that have starports and some kind of satellites or orbital constructs make use of a network of some kind. Such global data networks are called GINs (Global Information Network). Fledging colony worlds merely have basic infrastructure setup by their planetfall computer systems.