Network control: control all communications assets from a single place

[diomedea]

trafficstars

I presented this idea in the main RT2 thread (post # 275), was advised (post # 283) to post about it here.

My concept is, in reality, complex comms networks are managed as integrated. Selecting targets, mode of operation (and other stuff RT2 does not consider currently) is not performed using controls relative to one single antenna or vessel (like, the targeting menu), but across the whole network. Every asset available (e.g. all antennae from all satellites orbiting a body) would be controlled from a single control station. The control system should allow to define groups of assets that are then controlled simultaneously and tasked on the same target.

A word about assets grouping: due to planetary obscuration, any single antenna will generally be without a direct line-of-sight to its target at times; grouping two (or more) similar antennae placed on different vessels - in particular if placed opposite to the obscuring body - ensures one antenna is always in operation.

Some control systems IRL use a "row/column" arrangement, so asset groups can be matched to targets easily by joining the relative row and column. From a user's perspective, the above should make operating the complex network much more manageable, while keeping all in view at the same time and then allowing to spot potential issues sooner. Reconfiguring even large parts of the network (changing targets of multiple assets at the same time) could be achieved without much effort.

[Starstrider42]

Alternative to #6.