One of Prime Bases Functions.
This is from Space Gamer/Fantasy Gamer #82, By Paul Worzel, Article "Computers in The Morrow Project".
Paul is Bill Worzel's brother.
The article is really dated from a technology standpoint, but it lay's out what should be considered official TML / TMP information about The Morrow Online Network (MORONET), which Prime base was the central hub for.
TML certainly knew about the AT&T Long Haul Microwave System that runs across the country just based on a few pieces of information in this article.
The Morrow Online Network (MORONET)
Communications between Morrow teams was considered vital by the Morrow Project planners. The MORONET system was designed to be a flexible remote network of variable bandwidth. This would allow a variable number of Morrow vehicles to communicate differing amounts of information both with Prime Base and with other Morrow teams via the MPV onboard computer.
The key to this computer network is the communications links between Prime Base and the rest of the country (and the rest of the world). Prime Base has the computer capacity to receive and handle up to 10,000 real-time requests simultaneously. The limiting factors in the network are the number of communications links, the amount of information which c.an be transferred over these links and, most importantly, the technical now-how to build and maintain the communications equipment. The initial commination with Morrow Project teams would be by radio. No computer linkups were anticipated at this stage of the Project.
The communication satellite described in PF-06 Operation Lonestar would be the first high volume data link to the Morrow team in the field. Once this was established, either from the Johnson Space Center or from one of the backup sites, the Project teams would be able to access the databases and computers of Prime Base but without the ability for high volume, high speed transfers typical of full blown computer networks.
As pre-War equipment was salvaged and repaired, microwave relay stations were expected to be put back in working order by the Teams. These would provide the first high volume information links to Prime Base as they extended back to the Prime Base area and this would allow MORONET to begin operation in its true capacity. The areas serviced by MORONET would be strictly limited to those areas where microwave links were complete through to Prime Base. In addition, because of the high precision needed for such transmissions, only vehicles tied into a resupply base could make full use of the information available at Prime Base and only after the communications link was established.
The final level of communication envisioned by MORONET was planned after coast-to-coast phone communications were reestablished. It was estimated by the Morrow planners that this stage would be reached approximately 15-20 years after the War. However, because of the destruction of Prime Base, neither the communications lines nor (more importantly) the expertise to get them up and running still exist. As a result, it is not likely that this level of communications will be reached in less than 50 years after the reconstruction of Prime Base.
Once reached, this final level allows complete computer networking along with videotext and television transmission for those stations able to make use of them. The computer link provides direct access to Morrow data files, including pictures, audio recordings and an interactive communication network with other network members which allows the direct exchange of large volumes of information.
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