Comlink
Encyclopedia
In science fiction
, a comlink (or com link) is a small, hand-held personal communications transceiver. It consists of a receiver, a transmitter, and a small power source. Comlinks vary in size and configuration. Their appearances vary from hand-held cylinders, to flat, wrist-mounted units, to units incorporated into armored helmets. Sometimes, comlinks have ports for transmitting data gathered by other devices.
Comlinks are frequently used for explaining fast-as-light or faster-than-light communication in science fiction stories where such communication is necessary.
fictional universe
, a typical comlink has a range of 50 kilometers, though this range can be extended by tapping into expanded satellite communication networks. Some comlinks come equipped with encryption routines to prevent the interception of sensitive transmissions.
In urban areas dense with electromagnetic activity, comlink range is greatly affected and usually supplemented by networks that help distribute the transmission to the intended recipient. Military and vehicle-mounted comlinks have greater range due to greater power sources.
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 transceivers 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.
The comlink used by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn has a port built into its base for transmitting data gathered by other devices, such as a sampler used to examine midi-chlorian levels.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
, a comlink (or com link) is a small, hand-held personal communications transceiver. It consists of a receiver, a transmitter, and a small power source. Comlinks vary in size and configuration. Their appearances vary from hand-held cylinders, to flat, wrist-mounted units, to units incorporated into armored helmets. Sometimes, comlinks have ports for transmitting data gathered by other devices.
Comlinks are frequently used for explaining fast-as-light or faster-than-light communication in science fiction stories where such communication is necessary.
Comlinks in the Star Wars Fictional Universe
In the Star WarsStar Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
fictional universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
, a typical comlink has a range of 50 kilometers, though this range can be extended by tapping into expanded satellite communication networks. Some comlinks come equipped with encryption routines to prevent the interception of sensitive transmissions.
In urban areas dense with electromagnetic activity, comlink range is greatly affected and usually supplemented by networks that help distribute the transmission to the intended recipient. Military and vehicle-mounted comlinks have greater range due to greater power sources.
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 transceivers 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.
The comlink used by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn has a port built into its base for transmitting data gathered by other devices, such as a sampler used to examine midi-chlorian levels.
Science fiction utilizing comlinks
The comlink has made appearances in the following works of science fiction:- Star WarsStar WarsStar Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
- Time CrisisTime Crisis (series)Time Crisis is a first-person light gun shooter series of arcade video games by Namco. The first installment of the series was released in the arcades in 1995 and later ported to the PlayStation consoles.-Overview:...
- ShadowrunShadowrunShadowrun is a role-playing game set in a near-future fictional universe in which cybernetics, magic and fantasy creatures co-exist. It combines genres of cyberpunk, urban fantasy and crime, with occasional elements of conspiracy fiction, horror, and detective fiction.The original game has spawned...
- Knight Rider
- Quake
- F.E.A.R.
- Bakugan Battle BrawlersBakugan Battle Brawlersis a Japanese action adventure anime television series produced by TMS Entertainment and Japan Vistec under the direction of Mitsuo Hashimoto. The story centers on the lives of creatures called Bakugan and the battle brawlers who possess them...
- Digimon Xros WarsDigimon Xros Warscontains the sixth and seventh anime television series in the Digimon franchise by Akiyoshi Hongō, produced by Toei Animation. It follows a boy named Taiki Kudō who utilizes the power of joining together Digimon in order to save the Digital World...