Editing Covenant comm node

{{Era|HCW}}
{{Cleanup}}
[[File:Communications Array.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A communication node as seen in ''Halo 3''.]]

'''Communication nodes''' are mobile communication antennas used by the [[Covenant]] on the battlefield, used to connect to the [[Covenant battle network]].

== Appearance and function ==
[[File:HCE-CovenantComNode.png|thumb|200px|A comm node in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]]
It appears that the comm nodes have undergone a series of refits, seeing as how the shape, color, and height of the units vary between games. They most likely are similar to human technology, where when one model becomes outdated, another, more updated model takes its place. These differences between games is most probably because in different areas, different variants are utilized with varying distance and functionality belonging to the different models.

The comm node appears to be either a modified storage crate or a similar device based on the same framework. It stands approximately eight feet tall and the three antennae on top add about five feet of height. It has several fold out controls on it, but they are in the [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili language]] and are completely useless to the player. It is notable however, that the screens on uplink crates usually contain readouts on a planetary surface, likely the nearby planet Threshold, and links to orbiting spacecraft. The uplink crate emits a loud, random chirping noise and static when active. Its dark purple color affords it no camouflage whatsoever, tending to make it stand out. The only exception to this rule is when they are located in the interiors of Covenant vessels for transport. In this event, they provide extremely good cover, often blending into the background.

In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the comm node is impervious to all forms of firepower or impact. They can be neither damaged nor moved, for which reason they make excellent cover. They are never seen knocked over or even tipped in any of the levels, suggesting the [[The Flood|Flood]] are either capable of utilizing them, or cannot move their bulk.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level, ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref> However, the first possibility seems more likely, as Flood are able to effortlessly move heavy machinery, up to and including armored vehicles. Nonetheless, the [[John-117|Master Chief]], who can flip over an [[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle|M12 LRV]], is unable to budge the nodes an inch, suggesting that they are either fixed to the ground in some way or far heavier than they look. Even a direct impact from the 90mm shell of a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion Tank]] can not scratch the heavily engraved metal alloy that protects the machine. In fact, a [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] may even flip over on impact with a crate, thus making them rather dangerous obstacles. It is also possible that this could just be game mechanics because the nodes could be modified [[Covenant supply case|supply cases]], which are also immobile. The objects are also considered scenery objects by the game, just as rocks and the like are, and are therefore made immobile by the game itself.

==Changes between Halo games==
=== Halo: Combat Evolved ===
One type of communication node was seen on Alpha Halo, and greatly resembled a Covenant supply case with three antennae. Although extremely similar in appearance to the supply case, their sides appear to have folded outwards, producing a small screen and keyboard for the communication interface.

=== Halo 2 ===
In ''Halo 2'', they are similar to Covenant visual recording devices, but have large metal antennae protruding from the top of the casing. If the crate is functioning, the antenna will be encased in a purple energy field. However, if the player shoots the crate, the charge over the antenna will flicker and disappear.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Delta Halo (level)|Delta Halo]]''</ref>

=== Halo 3 ===
In ''Halo 3'', the communication nodes were redesigned to have a more elegant shape. Again, they can be destroyed, in which case the bluish energy field will disappear. They now have a more rounded and updated look. It still has the same basic shape as the ''Halo 2'' model, with a device at the bottom and antennae at the top. It is now seen more frequently.

===Halo: Reach===
Two different varieties of communication nodes are featured in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. The default version is near-identical to the ''Halo 3'' iteration, while the larger one has three vertical antennas covered in energy fields.

=== Halo 4 ===
In ''Halo 4'', there are two variants of communications nodes. The first, more common variant, resembles the three vertical energy-filled antennae type seen in ''Halo: Reach'', now with the new purple-green Covenant color scheme for its base.  The second variant is a newly-designed vertical structure sporting a pair of solid, curved prongs.

== Trivia ==
*The ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' communication nodes appear to be upside-down modified [[Covenant supply case|supply cases]].
*The comm will remain active if one of its leg has been break off, and can still be pick it up in Forge. To fully destroy it, one must break the tower off the base. 
*On the main body of the node, something resembling the ''[[Marathon]]'' symbol can clearly be seen.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE - Covenant node concept.png|Concept art of a communication node for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Uplink Crate.jpg|A comm node in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', PC version.
File:Mugshot.jpg|The controls on a comm node as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', PC version.
File:H2 Communications Module.png|An antenna-type communications node in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Reach_Comm_Node.png|A larger communication node in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR-CovenantComNode.png|A larger communications node in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach Communications Module.jpg|Another variant of the communications node in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H3 Communications Module.jpeg|A communications node in ''Halo 3''.
File:Covenant Node Halo CE.png|The screen of the comm node in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:H4-Concept-Covenant-Uplink.jpg|Concept art of a Covenant uplink node in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>

==List of Appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''

== Sources ==
<references/>
[[Category:Covenant technology]]
[[Category:Communications technology]]
[[Category:Scenery]]