Explanation of 'Net' gear in Smashing Down · 2:04am May 25th, 2014
Since I enjoy explaining things about my primary story, and some of you enjoy reading them, I figure I'll make this a small series of blog posts where I explain precisely what I intend for certain things in the story. Information about the 'Net' gear is spaced around, and so I thought I would gather much of it in one place for easy access.
The 'Net' gear, as I call it, is one of the primary inventions of the story. At the time I thought it up, I had recently been brainstorming a series of questions all of us gamers wonder: "What is with the HUD in most video games?" "How does it display all of our allies, but none of our enemies?" "How could it, realistically, be portrayed?". At the time, I needed something to explain that, and thus, the 'Net' system.
The 'Net' system, and its' gear, is an integrated network of devices. It is used by everyone, from infantry on the ground to pilots in attack aircraft. It links all of these together via a local connection, although dedicated transmission antennas can boost the range of the system's connection into the hundreds of miles. In-story, it was deployed mid-2014, and is currently in use by every country that can afford the equipment.
The gear itself consists of a transparent set of LCD glasses that cover the entirety of a person's vision, and project information and displays as needed, a small micro-computer built into the glasses, and a microphone set in front of a soldier's mouth. They are controlled either by voice commands or manual controls on the side of the frames, and are connected to a small computer-camera-antenna combination built into the right side of a soldier's helmet, or, in the case of a pilot, connected directly to the aircraft's system.
The system is used in the infantry roll to connect soldiers, show them the positions of allies, and transmit all battlefield information to those in command. It is also used for mass announcements and messages from senior officers, as well as providing an easy-access radio connection, allowing for simplified battlefield communications. In addition, video feed is often automatically streamed in the network, allowing infantry access to UAV images, and providing senior officers with a view of the battlefield. In reconnaissance, its' role cannot be understated, as it enables the instant transfer of information from forward units.
In the aircraft and naval role, it is used to relay assignments and information, as well as plotting bombing runs and firing trajectories. In this role, as well as the infantry one, it also vastly reduces friendly fire incidents, due to a constant marking of the locations of allies. The system can also be tuned to different 'frequencies', allowing for sub-networking to take place.
The system itself begins to get sluggish above a certain number of 'users' in an area, and thus, dedicated computers are often used to manage larger networks, located on flagships and mobile command trailers. The system itself uses very little power, and the batteries can easily be swapped out when they begin to run dry, after several weeks of continual operation.
Note that it is literally said - and written - as 'Net' system, apostrophes and all. I originally used the apostrophes to introduce it, but it caught on in my mind as an 'official spelling' of sorts. I would also like to note that, as Ace Combat: Assault Horizon (the game the basic backstory of the plot comes from) is based on a partial Alternate Reality, the system itself has no need to be based on anything current. However, serious inspiration was drawn from the old 'Land Warrior' project, as well as the US military's current Future Force Warrior project.
Question, in the last chapter the 'net' unit was not only showing allies but royal guard placement as well how does that work. Also can you tell what is the range of the 'net'?
neat.
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In the last chapter, a series of sensors were placed on the hilltop above the castle. The 'Net' operators combined X-Ray, radar-mapping, and Thermal to create an image of the castle and much of its' interior. This also had the effect of showing the positions of the guards, with a good deal of accuracy.
However, once they went underground, they could no longer gain a connection to the 'Net' systems.
The range of the 'Net' systems is entirely dependent on the terrain, as well as the available transmitters. The infantry devices operate at UHF (Ultra-High Frequency), and generally have a range limited to both line-of-sight, as well as a few kilometers in diameter. However, larger transmitters operate at VHF (Very-High Frequency), allowing transmission over hundreds of kilometers.
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thanks
A very ideal battlefield technology to be sure. This also is a fine example of problem solving capability. There were several clear cut battlefield problems and many of the explanations and descriptions in this blog put dampers on all of the problems, allowing better communication, less risk of friendly fire, real time coordination of all units at any given time. It is a VERY ideal solution. I'm glad you put this up. Now let's just hope the friendly militaries of the world (those being USA, Britain, Germany, etc.) actually get a similar idea and use the same, if not better, problem solving approach.