Network Class - This is representative of how well compiled a network is, and how
complex it can be.
Class A: These Domains are the pinnacle of complexity and security allowing 12
Segments per Branch Location. Each Segment is allowed a total of 40 Nodes and 8
Data Stores. The ratings total for a Class A Network is a maximum of 270.
Class B: These are average Corporate and Government Domains. A Class B Domain can
support up to 8 Segments. Each Segment can sustain up to 20 Nodes and 4 Data
Stores. The ratings total for this class of Network cannot exceed 180.
Class C: Class C Networks can be either Private HomeNets, or small Domains.
Slightly more complicated and secure than the average HomeNet, they can support up
to 4 Segments. Each Segment can support up to 10 Nodes and 2 Data Stores. A network
of this caliber cannot exceed a ratings total of 90.
Class D: This class of Network is always a private HomeNet. They are neither large,
nor complex have almost no security. They only allow for 1 Segment, and that
Segment can't have more than 5 Nodes and 1 Data Store. A Class D Network's ratings
total cannot exceed 30.
Ratings total - If you take every Node, Data Store, Firewall, IDPS, IC Store, etc
on a given Network and add them up, that sum is the "ratings total" for a given
Network. This represents an absolute maximum complexity that a network of a given
size can acheive.
*Note - Multiple networks can be joined together to form an Intranet. When
designing an Intranet it is important to remember to keep Node space to join the
networks together, otherwise you just have 2 or more similarly themed Domains. The
major difference between an Intranet and a single network is that one can move
between networks in an Intranet without touching public Netspace; whereas moving
from one domain to another requires passing thru public Netspace.
Security - The Base difficulty to enter a given network by non-legitimate means.
This roll happens at the Firewall when trying to enter a Network or Network
Segment. Domain difficulties range from Challenging (18-21), to Extreme (30+). This
statistic is specific to the Firewall in question, and in no way impacts the rest
of the Network. Security also reflects the difficulty in gaining access to a given
Node. Controlling/manipulating said Node is a different matter entirely, the
Security rating of a Node or Segment only determines how hard it is to gain access.
Average Node Security Numbers -
Low Security: 18
Average Security: 22
High Security: 26
Extreme Security: 30
IDPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems) - The modifier to all Trace and
combat rolls made by the network. This bonus does not apply to NetSec or DomSec
agent rolls, only IC, and other automated network defenses. Security agents have
their own abilities and Decks which provide them all the "firepower" they need.
IDPS appliances are designed to function as automated systems, and therefore
enhance the other automated security features on a Network. IDPS also perform the
initial scans and tracking routines that function as a base for Trace attempts made
against a runner. This statistic is Network Segment wide, and applies equally to
all Nodes, IC, and automated Network defenses on a given Segment. It is possible
for each network segment to have a different IDPS and some segments might be more
difficult to navigate than others due to that fact, even tho they're part of the
same Network.
Average Network Segment IDPS numbers -
Low IDPS: 5
Average IDPS: 10
High IDPS: 15
Extreme IDPS: 20
Operation - The base difficulty for all unofficial actions taken on a network.
NetSec and DomSec agents don't need to worry about this, nor do any authorized
users. This represents a Network's "rigidity" and resistence to unauthorized use.
If a runner tries to access a Node without the proper credentials, or attempts to
turn a building's automated defenses against the CorpSec officers in a given area,
for instance, those rolls would be made against a base difficulty of the Network's
Operation stat. A Network's Operation can (and generally is) modified by the
Network's IDPS rating, since Operation represents a Network's automated defenses
and resistance to hacking. This statistic is Network wide, however, and serves as a
base "background security rating" for the entire Network. Each segment on a given
Network may have its own independent security apparatus, but the Operation stat for
the Network will serve as a base hacking difficulty in every segment regardless of
any other concern.
Average Network Operation Numbers -
Low Operation: 5
Average Operation: 10
High Operation: 15
Extreme Operation: 20
It is not necessary for each of these ratings to match. A Network can have an
Average Security rating, with a Low Operation rating, and an Extreme IDPS rating.
