COMPUTER CORES

The current Deep Space 12 computer network, made up of the original Cardassian processors and added Starfleet hardware, continuously monitors and maintains the operating health of nearly all other station systems. It supports all primary external ties to the galactic environment through sensor data inflow and analysis, radio frequency (RF), optronic, and subspace communications, and it provides extensive command and control functions during station military operations.
The computer network consists of three main processing cores and Starfleet coprocessor and peripherals group (CPG) located between Levels 14 and 21, deep within the Mid Core assembly of Deep Space 12. As such, the computer cores are protected from most external EM by multiple shielding layers and from transmitted physical shock through the use of electrohydraulic attenuation beds at the dorsal and ventral ends. The cores measures 15.54 meters in diameter and 45.11 meters in height and are bilaterally symmetrical in geometry and architecture across the X-Z plane. In effect, each core is two complete half cores running in clock sync.
The use of three main cores is consistent with the Cardassian predilection for creating structures in triplets, which affords them wide flexibility in assigning maintenance and analysis tasks. As with many Starfleet interstellar ships and starbases, a single core can perform all basic required tasks, and two cores are able to handle at least 85 percent of the computational load should one core fail. The processor architecture is so designed, however, to keep a core operating at a minimum diagnostic level and will attempt to isolate all nonfunctioning processors for failure analysis and redistribute tasks to the remaining chip and data cube processors.
No superluminal or FTL processing occurs in the core sections. The Cardassians have elected to remain with ruggedized isolinear processing and rod storage operating at subwarp speeds. No significant disadvantages have surfaced in this regard, and all computational wait times are well below critical thresholds for station operation. The Starfleet CPG does run at FTL seeds, employing two miniature subspace field generators and two backup units operating at 3594 millicochranes. The majority of FTL tasks involve translation of Cardassian datastream code and tactical analysis. Work is underway to increase the field generation to a minimum of 4325 millicochranes under a scheduled Starfleet upgrade program. Standard ultrahigh density isolinear chip and data cube storage devices maintain total back ups of all station data and are routinely downloaded to Starfleet Command over secured subspace channels or physically delivered by courier. Additional covert transfer paths are employed under specific security conditions. Ongoing interface modifications were temporarily halted during the Cardassian/Dominion station seizure, when the sensitive parts of the CPG were removed to Starbase 375 and all hardwired components were deliberately destroyed. In a previous station takeover by the Bajoran Alliance for Global Unity, all classified equipment was briefly rendered inoperable but not extracted.
The Cardassian core elements are assembled from subwarp nanoprocessors arranged in parallel packs of 27, 81, 243, or 729 transtator clusters. These clusters are not arranged into any higher level of organization but rather are installed into the core structure with simple ODN connections. The original Nor Class operating system software and autonomous rewrite and switching subroutines handle the real time divisions of clusters needed for particular tasks. EPS taps are arranged around the core to power the processors, isolinear storage banks, and cooling systems. Eight hundred twenty eight EPS microconduits emerge from thirty six distribution blocks ringed about the equator of each core. The distribution blocks are tied in upstream to the main EPS conduits fed by the station's central fusion powerplant.

CORE DATA STORAGE

Isolinear rods are the primary data storage medium. Each core is equipped with 104,976 class 4 isolinear rods for primary storage, arranged in 2916 groups of thirty six rods. Intermediate data caching is performed by 8748 class 4 rods arranged in 243 groups of thirty six rods. The Starfleet CPG provides an additional 526 gigaquads for its operational memory functions. Memory units are encased in porous ceramic composite housings and surrounded by cryogenic helium 3 for optimal speed and nonvolatility. Data transfer has been clocked at 827 kiloquads per second in idealized heuristic processing test setups. In practice the data rate is slightly slower, at 743 kiloquads per second, owing primarily to the software switching routines. The cores are interlinked by a preliminary dedicated ODN network optimized for core data Computer core and distribution nodes transfer, prior to connections to the station wide ODN nodes. The chemical composition and structure of the ODN fibers is such that in-transit error checking can be guarantee complete deletion of all accomplished within the fiber, as compared to error checking only on the processor side in Starfleet systems. Selected segments of each ODN fiber are extruded like isolinear rods, but of extremely long length, up to meters with no signal degradation. The processing architecture of the fibers can handle up to 2955 bit word code and can be enabled or disabled according to specific software configurations.

DEEP DATA RECOVERY

Most of the data stored in the computers was erased when the Cardassians originally left the station. Certain banks of isolinear rods were, not surprisingly, missing altogether. However, since most data-storage technology cannot guarantee complete deletion of all quantum signatures in a particular medium, significant amounts of data were deemed recoverable. Exact numbers are classified by Starfleet Intelligence, and the extraction process is ongoing at remote Starfleet sites.
Since the core architecture is designed to work around certain types of processor failures, there are no large scale redundant subprocessors. All ODN I/0 paths are hardwired directly into the various station systems being serviced. There are, however, a limited number of backup RF links from critical systems to a set of computer core RF transceivers. Four critical systems Iife support, security sensors, weapons systems, and communications-were found to be connected to the computers and dedicated backup control consoles by superconducting cable ribbons. These direct control systems were rerouted by Starfleet to the CPG, but the CPG is not necessary for their routine operation. In the event that ODN connections are severed, the individual station systems were designed to switch to auto-safe mode until an operator could assume control. A total of 13,655 ODN bundles interconnect the computer and the various station systems, equaling an estimated 67,900 kilometers of optical fibers. The superconducting control cables are thought to total another 1300 kilometers.
Short and medium range RF links continue to provide data and control connections among station systems, the computers, and portable and handheld devices such as Tricorders and PADDs. Data translation header codes from non Cardassian devices are normally routed through the CPG, which also handles data from Bajoran devices. All other non station critical data from visiting or resident entities is processed through stand alone sections of the cores, which have no direct connection physical, optronic subspace, or RF to the bulk of the core processors.
As with other station systems, control terminals located throughout the station are tied into the ODN and then to the cores. Alphanumerical, graphical, and other visual transmission data are filtered through the CPG in both directions. Terminals in all critical locations, including Ops, environmental control, defensive systems, and power generation, are connected via nine redundant optical circuits so that failures or interference in as many as six circuits will still allow, from a probability standpoint, a correct signal to pass through.

ISOLINEAR STORAGE SYSTEMS

Temporary and long term memory storage in the Cardassian cores and other computer devices are handled by various sizes of extruded isolinear rod medium. These sizes, by outside diameter and length, are as follows:

•Class 1.0.43 centimeters by 3.21 centimeters for subminiature storage devices.
•Class 2.1.08 centimeters by 6.26 centimeters for PADD type applications.
•Class 3.1.27 centimeters by 9.52 centimeters for standard console and access tunnel applications.
•Class 4. 7.43 centimeters by 31.96 centimeters for computer core storage.

Rods are fabricated using multiaxis chromopolymer lithography techniques similar to those used to produce Starfleet isolinear chips. They are optimized to store and process information transmitted over a maximum of 8,357 distinct input paths positron etched into a 1.2 millimeter photon amplification coating on the end of the rod. Data are recorded and read from the rod using polarized light pulses at 46,238 nanometers, corresponding to orange light. Minor differences in chromopolymer chemistry separate the Cardassian and Starfleet technologies, as do slightly lower data densities available in the rods, at 5.37 kiloquads per cubic centimeter. By comparison, current high density isolinear chips hold 6.51 kiloquads per cubic centimeter and operate on light pulses at 68,913 nanometers, more at the blue end of the spectrum.

PERSONAL ACCESS DISPLAY DEVICES

The Personal Access Display Device, (PADD) continues to be the primary handheld tool for instruction execution and information handling aboard Deep Space 12, if not the entire Alpha Quadrant. The basic physiological characteristics of humanoids in the cultural mix of the station have shaped the similar forms of the PADDs. encountered. Moreover, technology transfer has endowed these mechanisms with familiar functions and capabilities. All are portable and can communicate with larger computer systems, though various levels of data translation and decryption keep the majority of them operationally isolated. Security concerns will reinforce the isolation for the foreseeable future, though they will not affect the more benign display instruments in the same manner as they would affect Tricorders, and particularly the smaller, more undetectable data storage media in a time of hostilities and widespread espionage. Upgrades in display and storage science of the various cultures have proved largely predictable due to the wide availability of information across territorial borders. As with other technical innovations in the galaxy, the appearance of radically new materials or hardware may be deliberately postponed, while covert applications are tested away from the main theaters of operation.
PADDs. of the principal cultures represented on Deep Space 12 include Starfleet, Cardassian, Klingon, and Ferengi. Bajoran personnel typically use the Starfleet type, but have been known to work with modified Cardassian units. In some instances, the displays and processors in the Bajoran Tricorder perform PADD functions. Other races have either independently developed or replicated the technology, but the core concepts are covered in these four. All are constructed from alloy or composite materials, support an isolinear or duotronic type of computer architecture, communicate by RF or subspace channels, and are powered by induction or direct energy charging.
The Starfleet PADD variants include three principal hard ware sizes; 10.16 by 15.24 by 0.95 centimeters, 20.32 by 25.41 by 0.95 centimeters, and 22.86 by 30.48 by 1.27 centimeters. All are now fabricated from micromilled duranium and operate on sarium krellide power cells. Masses vary from 113.39 grams to 340.19 grams. Display screen sizes vary from 5.08 by 7.62 centimeters up to 20.32 by 27.94 centimeters, but all employ dynamic resolution switching created by a nanopixel molecular matrix. The matrix is the result of a fivefold improvement on previous PADD, Tricorder, and control panel imaging thin films. All variants contain sub space transceiver assemblies (STA) for data transmissions to larger core computers. Isolinear memory storage capacity ranges from 15.3 kiloquads to 97.5 kiloquads, depending on the variant. Development units employing encapsulated bioneural gel wafers are scheduled to be delivered shortly after the Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDT&E) cycle is complete for all data devices.
Cardassian PADDs. appear to be hybrid products of their own materials developments and borrowed technology from other worlds. The primary model is a ruggedized unit molded from rodinium boronate, mostly from ore tailings. The housing measures 18.41 centimeters by 9.53 centimeters, with a tapered handhold, and masses 198.2 grams. The display employs a gas field suspension screen with a standoff gap distance of 0.3 millimeters and is capable of imaging both two dimensional and limited holostereo data. Isolinear processors and memory chips are piggyback paired in hot swappable modules, with two type 2 memory rods for a total capacity of 12.1 kiloquads. Controls include capacitance sliders and voice activation. Power for 29.3 hours continuous operation is provided by liquid isotolinium ampoules. In the modified units aboard the station, two Starfleet type sarium-krellide cells power the PADD for 37.5 hours continuous operation.
PADDs. produced by the Ferengi Alliance are highlighted by the latest high clock rate processors optimized for financial and materiel inventory calculations. The unit measures 19.07 by 8.96 centimeters and masses 268.54 grams, and the casing is formed from relatively inexpensive sintered aluminum-lithium, typically by the lowest-bidder facilities on Ferenginar. The trilobed central processor is based on isolinear technology, but is molded in a 4-D forced-matrix process that takes seventy three hours to cure completely. The Ferengi patience is rewarded, however, with a massively cross linked circuit possessing a density of twenty three hundred neurites per square millimeter. Memory storage is handled by a single 5.35 centimeter molded isolinear disk piggybacked directly to the processor, with a smaller 2.13 centimeter disk and backup processor, which maintains a limited record of only the last 358, 700 transactions.
By comparison, Klingon PADDs. are extremely limited in memory capacity and display options, though highly ruggedized for battlefield use. Each unit is fabricated from pressure forged tritanium, as a subsidiary use of Klingon construction activity. It measures 19.10 by 6.98 by 0.99 centimeters, and masses 45.5 grams. The display screen is an irregular hexagon 8.13 by 5.71 centimeters and provides a fixed resolution of 250 discrete elements per millimeter. Data is stored in two isolinear chips for a total memory capacity of 4.32 kiloquads. Through the technology transfer agreements between the UFP and the Klingon High Council, Klingon PADDs. are equipped with standard subspace transceiver assemblies for data transmissions. No alternate RF channels are present. The unit is powered by a single thermocouple induction loop of cesium diferrofluorite, and can run continuously for 47.5 hours.

DESKTOP AND CONSOLE COMPUTER ACCESS

Various stand-alone and networked desktop terminals, as well as console units, operate aboard Deep Space 12. Starfleet equipment larger than PADD size consists of various types of ruggedized desktop terminal with augmented memory capacity and data translation programming. Cardassian equipment includes all existing control panel surfaces and fixed and movable consoles. Most resident and visiting cultures maintain separate computer systems within their workspaces or living quarters, or lease storage and processing space within firewalled areas of one of the main computer cores.
The desktop unit in general use by Starfleet personnel measures 30.43 by 25.41 by 24.10 centimeters housed in a casing fabricated from a molded Duranium composite. The internal components are identical to those found in Starfleet PADDs., with the addition of user configurable touchpads for more data manipulation options. The main display screen measures 20.32 by 26.61 centimeters and employs dynamic resolution switching with its nanopixel molecular matrix. Power is provided by a sariurn krellide cell, which can be recharged either by induction loop or beamed power link when not in use. In the absence of continuous recharging, the unit will run approximately fifty eight hours. Memory and data preprocessing is accomplished by two banks of fifteen 2.54 by 7.62 by 6.62 centimeter isolinear chips, for a total onboard storage capacity of 1.21 megaquads. Connections with external computer devices and subspace com systems are handled by the STA, which also employs backup RF com links for graphical, voice, and visual data.
The desktop unit responds to voice commands through the STA and touch commands through the screen and touch pad segments. Voice commands are filtered through the STA for comparison with stored user identification records and then routed to the graphical interface, voice response circuit, and command processor. Screen and touch pad inputs are analyzed for velocity and pressure values and routed to the graphical interface and command processor. Each desktop unit is generally configured for up to twelve different users, but can accommodate as many as there is identification memory. This equals some 18,600 individual preference files.
Cardassian built console units generally communicate with the station's main computer cores and retain an untranslated Cardassian user interface for graphical data and visual transmissions. Console display screens remain Cardassian, though some damaged screens have been replaced with Starfleet hardware. The original Nor Class display surfaces were fabricated from 0.13 millimeter semirigid polycrystalline semacrylide and duvenite honeycomb films, each layer acting as a substrate for specific isolinear chromopolymers. A total of eight layers form the control surface and handle touch inputs, tactile feedback, graphical area lighting, EPS microcurrent distribution, and user configurations. The maximum dynamic resolution has been measured at 443 discrete elements per millimeter. A variety of freestanding consoles are in use aboard Deep Space 12, using both Cardassian and Starfleet display and communications protocols. In sensitive areas, the units typically are configured for both graphic display types, and any Starfleet data are routed through the CPG attached to the main computer cores. All Cardassian console units are equipped with isolinear rod preprocessor and memory storage banks, typically 3.65 megaquads housed in the structural base. Console units are powered by rechargeable liquid isotolinium power cells, in addition to floor tap EPS nodes. Cardassian consoles were, not surprisingly, found to employ a passcode access scheme routinely used for any main core operations. Most of the lockout routines were disabled during the Starfleet reconstruction, and those consoles not responding to lockout extraction were gutted and refitted with rebuilt Cardassian components.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Access to the computer system requires clearance through a series of identity confirmation firewall layers, beginning with voiceprint matching. Depending on the clearance level, additional confirmation methods involve physiognomy recognition, iris and retinal pattern matching, integumentary surface matching, and in the highest Ievel clearance, DNA and neuronal structural matching. Additional firewall layers are structured specifically for non user specific file transfers and program execution. A combination of Bajoran and Starfleet command personnel aboard the station have the authority to set user permissions, passwords, and clearance levels.
Physical access to computer hardware such as the computer cores and data pathway circuitry is nominally restricted to command and engineering personnel. Access codes and special tools are required for most tasks involving hardware repairs and installation. During heightened alert levels, all inbound and outbound equipment must be scanned and recorded at sensitive areas. Circuitry junctions using isolinear devices are key targets for threat force sabotage and are regularly monitored. All security incidents involving Deep Space 12 computer systems have been logged and analyzed and have shown that many firewall schemes can be defeated. Continued vigilance and upgraded security methodology have also shown that most local and system wide breaches have been traced and the perpetrators discovered. Frequent access key code changes and random clearance testing have been credited with maintaining a manageable level of computer security.