Question about Imperial communications

[Connor MacLeod]

Im just wondering how an Imperial fleet maintains communications with each other in battle. I think I read somewhere that when their shields are raised all communications are impossible? I havent read anything to counter this. Has anyone else? There has to be some way, or does the fleet act according to a set battle plan that removes the need for communications, and grants each ship commander some leeway in using their vessel?

Holonet and subspace communications are jammed when shielding is active. Standard comm signals and EM communications can still be used, however.

[Spanky The Dolphin]

Well, that was more of a joke, really.

[Rogue 9]

During the Corellian Crisis when Centerpoint was jamming comms, Lando used a radio set to communicate with Tendra. It is described as taking longer than comm signals to reach him in the inner system from the edge of the interdiction field than comms would. Comlink signals are therefore FTL.

[Connor MacLeod]

During the Corellian Crisis when Centerpoint was jamming comms, Lando used a radio set to communicate with Tendra. It is described as taking longer than comm signals to reach him in the inner system from the edge of the interdiction field than comms would. Comlink signals are therefore FTL.

Wrong.

linky

Starships come equipped with comlinks for short range communication - such as requesting clearance while approaching a landing facility, or while executing squadron or wing maneuvers. Since comlinks are limited to speed-of-light transmission range, they are of limited use for interstellar applications.

For that reason, ships also carry a subspace radio, which provides much greater range but also requires a greater power allotment. A subspace radio typically has a real-time range of several light years. Sector governments often set up a network of subspace transceivers that help connect the scattered worlds, forming a sector-wide communications grid.

The most powerful and far-reaching communications medium is the HoloNet. A network of non-mass transcievers submerged into the time-bending dimension of hyperspace connects worlds in real-time across incredible distances. The HoloNet, maintained by the galactic government, is a horrendously expensive venture, and similarly the devices required to communicate on the HoloNet are costly to the average galactic citizen. In the time of the Empire, much of the public applications of the HoloNet were dismantled, making the galaxy-wide communications network a tool of the military and corporate interests.

If comlinks were FTL, subspace and holonet/hyperwave would be superfluous, given the sheer degree of miniaturization possible with comlinks.

(And that is not the only source that points to "speed of light" transmissions - the Wraith Squadron novels I already referred to do as well, as does, IIRC, ,the EGW&T)

[Rogue 9]

Ah.