Deputy Commander Shiner today signed off a total of 3 billion zarks worth (he was crying obviously) in contracts for communication upgrades to the DDS. Most of the contracts are for the massive Ultranet next-generation communications backbone project that will finally start next year.
The DDS Communications HQ on Proxima 5 will receive a new data multiplex with new nodes at DDG GHQ and on Solaris. A new developmental lab will also be built on Terra to develop new protocols and interfaces. Some of the money comes directly from the UNP as Ultranet will be a joint DDS/UNP system.
As well as Ultranet an upgrade to the Direct Line Laser Communication System (DLLCS) will be rolled out to the fleet during scheduled updates and maintenance. DLLCS-2112 includes improved data security and increased bandwidth. DLLCS is a back-up communication system using lasers which is (virtually) unjammable and very hard to hack into. It was developed by the DDS for combat situations.
Finally inter-base communications at DDS GHQ, Engineering HQ and Communications HQ will be upgraded with a new more secure system based on the data messaging system used on DDS spaceships.
