Skim-Sign Communication:
Messages are encoded as signal wavelengths and "skimmed" along dimensional currents from a Sign array to a relay stations, spaceships or satellites.
These signals are slightly faster than ships by a roughly 20% , making communication more efficient but not instantaneous.
Skim-Sign Communication within a star system is near-instantaneous, with only minor delays ranging from a few minutes to an hour depending on the system's size and the distance involved.
Relay Systems and Arrays:
In-System Relays: Relay satellites orbit major planets or other stable celestial objects, ensuring seamless communication throughout the planetary system.
Extra-Solar Arrays: Larger arrays, often stationed in orbit around important planets or in the void between stars, enable direct message beaming between star systems. Extra-solar communications experience longer delays but are still significantly faster than physical ship travel.
Restrictions:
Major communication routes experience more frequent and "rougher" dimensional waves due to heavy signal traffic. This makes skimmer travel along these paths slower and more dangerous for ships. To ensure the safety of a vessels, they are strongly advised to avoid communication lanes during skimmer travel.
Ships and fleets still rely on traditional methods, such as radio, high-frequency signals, or radiation-based communications, for ship-to-ship or ground-to-orbit transmissions. These methods are reliable within a single star system or local space.
Skim-Sign communication cannot be used while a ship is actively skimming. Ships and fleets traveling with a Wave Skim-Drive are effectively cut off from all external contact until they reach their destination. This creates inherent risks for fleets, which must rely on pre-planned courses and contingencies for emergencies.