Subspace
Part of the fabric of our space-time continuum, subspace is an inherent property of four dimensional space, and not a dimension of its own. Due to its proximity to the underspatial boundary, spatial coordinates in subspace are "compressed" in relation to realspace coordinates. What this means is that a distance between point A and B is significantly shorter in subspace than it is in realspace.
This peculiar property allows faster than light transmission of information, both in the way of communications and FTL travel by the use of a Warp drive. Subspace Distortion Engines have also been developed for sub-light travel using subspace.
A crude but often used analogy is that subspace is to realspace as infrared radiation is to visible light; a different "wavelength".
Subspace communication
- Main article: Subspace communication
Subspace communication is the primary form of communications in the Galaxy, used to send information over long distances. By sending a carrier wave through subspace, the sender can transmit a signal faster than the speed of light, and at an incredible distance. Vast galactic computer networks such as the Collective rely heavily on the subspace medium for transmissions, and subspace transceivers can be found on every civilized world.
