SmartLink

Summary

SmartLink refers to the standardized protocol used by all weapons manufacturers to further integrate weapon information and ease-of-use with their weapons to the user, typically by displaying visual information, and at higher levels, assist with control and accuracy of a weapon.

SmartLink comes in a few specific parts:

• A SmartLink-enabled weapon
• The SmartLink receiver modification for one's body (Comes in three versions)
• Augmented Reality equipment, or SmartLink ChipWare for the Optical WetWare (Comes in three versions)

Weapon Hardware

Usually, higher-end weaponry will come pre-packaged with support for SmartLink, but kits are also produced that allow one to modify an existing weapon to function with SmartLink.

The physical Hardware of SmartLink on the weapon itself involves an NFC (Near-Field Communication) pad implanted into the grip of the weapon. In some instances, further support for weapons such as rifles, or sniper rifles may contain the same setup in the stock of the weapon, to allow for further support when the weapon is shouldered and held.

SmartLink Receivers

SmartLink receivers refer to a HardWare modification that can be made, typically to the hands, that integrates an NFC pad within the palm, which is designed to touch the SmartLink device on the grip of a weapon. This HardWare mod can be placed on an Augmentation hand, or a Replacement hand, but is largely designed to only be easily removable from an Augmentation hand.

SmartLink Receivers come in three major versions, and require the equivalent version for Optical WetWare modifications to properly work when displaying data to one's eyes.

• SmartLink V1: Display is limited to reticle, ammo count, type of ammunition, firing mode, safety on/off, and is incompatible with any ChipWare that enables any sort of non-standard vision mode (such as night vision, thermal vision, and electromagnetic vision.) Zoom is limited to 1x regardless of level of zoom capable by ChipWare modifications made to Optical WetWare. Comes with a slight increase to Defensive Hardening.

• SmartLink V2: Reticle, ammo count, type of ammunition, firing mode, safety on/off, rangefinder are displayed. Functions while using non-standard vision modes, such as night vision, thermal vision, and electromagnetic vision. User experiences a slight increase to one's own abilities applicable when using a firearm, such as increased control, and accuracy. Supports up to 4x zoom. Increases Defensive Hardening.

• SmartLink V3: An extended display is supported, including a minimap, toggleable highlighting of enemies, toggleable highlighting of friendlies, as well as integrated countermeasures to allow the user to automatically highlight the source of a SysRAT attack targeting Optical WetWare of any type. (//If enemy's Defensive Hardening skill is below 650.) Reticle, ammo count, type of ammunition, firing mode, safety on/off, is displayed. Functions with all types of non-standard vision modes. User experiences a fairly decent increase to their own skills pertaining to control of their firearm, accuracy, and a slight increase to their reaction time. Increases Defensive Hardening. Zoom is limited to 8x.

SmartLink Display ChipWare

SmartLink Display ChipWare (SLDC), refers to the required ChipWare for Optical WetWare that enables one to display SmartLink information directly to their eyes.

SmartLink Display ChipWare comes in three versions, and each version is required to "complete" the enabling of a specific version of SmartLink receiver that you have installed on your body.

SmartLink Hacking

SmartLink hacking is done via QuickProgs That are specifically designed to target only the SmartLink system, if present, on a target.

Each Version of SmartLink gives an increasing amount of Defensive Hardening. An attacker must deploy a QuickProg whilst being able to defeat their target's Defensive Hardening skill, in order to be successful in hacking attacks versus a SmartLink user.