Hardened Uplink
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The Hardened Uplink (HUL), sometimes stylized as Hardened UpLink, is an external helmet attachment compatible with helmet variants of the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor.[1]
Overview[edit]
Specification[edit]
As their name suggests, the Hardened Uplink is a device that establishes and provides the operator with a communications link to a satellite. Improved modules are designated as HUL-I (Hardened UpLink-Improved).[2] Modules designated with the "BNR" suffix (meaning "battlenet relay") also serve a relay for the UNSC battle network.[3] Two other suffixes (ENIT and XFTREC) exist, though their specific functions are unspecified. The hardened uplink is commonly used for the acquisition of military intelligence,[4] and can be integrated into other helmet attachments, like the Command Network Module.[5] The device can also be integrated with remote sensors into a single package.
Usage[edit]
The hardened uplink was in use in as early as the Colonial Military Authority era.[6] Different modules are adopted by various branches and roles within the UNSC. The HUL is required for personnel employing the Pilot helmets while on sensitive operations.[7] When used in conjunction with the Command Network Module, it is a favorite of pathfinder units employing the AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir helmet.[8]
Known modules[edit]
The HUL has multiple observed modules, each with its own distinct physical appearance.
COURIER PEARL[edit]
Designed and manufactured by Watershed Division,[9] the COURIER PEARL module is the third-generation module, featuring an external hardened uplink for military intelligence acquisition.[10] Usually used by Section III and Spartan team leaders,[9] its adoption is required for personnel employing the Pilot helmet during sensitive operations.[7]
The COURIER PEARL module is compatible with the following helmets:
DEWSPRING[edit]
Manufactured by the Materials Group, the DEWSPRING Harden UpLink-Improved (HUL-I) module is a battlenet relay and an uplink co-processor that provides hardware-acceleration for interpreting deep-layer Covenant proselytization network protocols, which remain in widespread use by various remnant forces and pocket empires. It is compatible with the RAKSHASA-class Mjolnir.[3][14]
ECHELON[edit]
Manufactured by Lethbridge Industrial, the fifth-generation ECHELON module is a high-power battlenet relay with the latest in electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), which can "burn" through active jamming and signal flooding techniques employed by the Insurrection and Covenant remnant forces. It is compatible with the LINEBREAKER-class Mjolnir.[3]
KORDA[edit]
Manufactured by Emerson Tactical Systems, the KORDA module is a cost-reduced second-generation battlenet node optimized for fast uplink and minimal onboard cache.[15]
The KORDA module is compatible with the following helmets:
- ATHLON-class Mjolnir[15]
- MIRAGE-class Mjolnir[15]
- STREET VIPER-class Mjolnir[15]
- BALOR-class Mjolnir[15]
- BELUS-class Mjolnir[15]
- EXTENDER-class Mjolnir[15]
- NEITH-class Mjolnir[15]
- NEXUS-class helmet[15]
- TYRO-class Mjolnir[15]
- VELES-class Mjolnir[15]
LIGHTLINK[edit]
Manufactured by Lethbridge Industrial, the Lightlink module is a Harden UpLink-Improved (HUL-I) module that serves as a readily available device for short-range uplinks. Before being adopted by the Spartans, Lightlinks were widely used by the UNSC Army.[16]
The LIGHTLINK module is compatible with the following helmets:
- FLANKER-class Mjolnir[16]
- MENACHITE-class Mjolnir[16]
- MERCURY-class Mjolnir[16]
- [GEN3] SECURITY-class Mjolnir[16]
LIGHTSPIKE[edit]
The Lightspike hardened uplink-improved module is manufactured by Chalybs Defense Solutions.[17]
The LIGHTSPIKE module is exclusively compatible with the MJOLNIR Mark VII helmet.
Model 990101-1 FLAMINGO[edit]
The Model 990101-1 FLAMINGO is a Harden UpLink-Improved (HUL-I) module, an upgraded variant of the standard issue HUL unit.[18] It features improved battlenet reception and bandwidth in challenging mission areas, like previously glassed planets.[2] The FLAMINGO module has been observed to be compatible with the Mjolnir Mark V [B] and JFO-class Mjolnir helmets.[18]
ORIGO[edit]
Manufactured by Misriah Armory, the ORIGO was a CMA-era battlenet relay device that had been cleverly upgraded in the field to work with contemporary mesh networks.[6]
The ORIGO module is compatible with the following helmets:
- ATHLON-class Mjolnir[6]
- MIRAGE-class Mjolnir[6]
- STREET VIPER-class Mjolnir[6]
- BALOR-class Mjolnir[6]
- BELUS-class Mjolnir[6]
- EXTENDER-class Mjolnir[6]
- NEITH-class Mjolnir[6]
- NEXUS-class helmet[6]
- TYRO-class Mjolnir[6]
- VELES-class Mjolnir[6]
WITCHBRANCH[edit]
Manufactured by Watershed Division, the fourth-generation WITCHBRANCH module can remotely hack most UNSC and UEG computer hardware though exploitation of embedded architectural faults and hidden siphon implants placed there by ONI. However, as the Created rapidly iterate on their own computational technologies, this tool is unlikely to remain useful for much longer. It is compatible with all Mjolnir Mark VII helmets.[19]
In-game information[edit]
The HUL serves as a cosmetic option and has no impact on gameplay.
Halo: Reach[edit]
All three module of the HUL are available as attachments on several helmets in the armor permutations of Halo: Reach. The device is priced at different levels of Credits, depending on the base helmets. In Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the same HUL-attached helmets are unlockable in Season 1: Noble.
![The standard HUL module on the Recon helmet.[Note 2]](https://halo.wiki.gallery/images/thumb/9/9c/HR_Recon_HUL_Helmet_Icon.png/120px-HR_Recon_HUL_Helmet_Icon.png)
The standard HUL module on the Recon helmet.[Note 2]
The HUL-I module exclusive to the JFO helmet.
![The HUL[3] module on the Pilot helmet.](https://halo.wiki.gallery/images/thumb/1/16/HR_Pilot_HUL3_Helmet_Icon.png/120px-HR_Pilot_HUL3_Helmet_Icon.png)
The HUL[3] module on the Pilot helmet.
![The standard HUL module on the Recon helmet.[Note 2]](/File:HR_Recon_HUL_Helmet_Icon.png){kind=icon}
![The HUL[3] module on the Pilot helmet.](/File:HR_Pilot_HUL3_Helmet_Icon.png){kind=icon}
Halo Infinite[edit]
HUL attachments are available as customization options in Halo Infinite.
Mark VII core[edit]
| Helmet Attachment | Manufacturer | Lore | Compatible Helmets | Rarity | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 HUL[5X]/BNR/ECHELON |
Lethbridge Industrial | High-power battlenet relay with the latest in electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to"burn" through active jamming and signal flooding techniques employed by Insurrection and Covenant remnant forces. |
|
Epic | Season 02: Lone Wolves Battle Pass level 81 (Free) |
 HUL-I/LIGHTLINK |
Lethbridge Industrial | Widely used by UNSC Army, Lightlinks have been adopted by the Spartans as a readily available source of short-range hardened uplinks. |
|
Epic |
|
![HUL[4X]/ENIT/WITCHBRANCH Helmet Attachment icon](/File:HINF_HUL_4X_ENIT_WITCHBRANCH_Helmet_Attachment_Icon.png){kind=icon} HUL[4X]/ENIT/WITCHBRAND |
Watershed Division | WITCHBRANCH can remotely hack most UNSC and UEG computer hardware though exploitation of embedded architectural faults and hidden siphon implants placed there by ONI. As the Created rapidly iterate on their own computational technologies this tool is unlikely to remain useful for much longer. |
|
Epic | Season 03: Echoes Within Battle Pass level 70 (Premium) |
Mark V [B] core[edit]
| Helmet Attachment | Manufacturer | Lore | Compatible Helmets | Rarity | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 HUL[3]/BNR/COURIER PEARL |
Watershed Division | COURIER PEARL is a 3rd generation HUL (Hardened UpLink) designed and manufactured by the Watershed Division for use by Section III and Spartan team leaders. |
|
Epic | Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 18 (Premium) |
 HUL-I/XFTREC/FLAMINGO |
TBD | Codenamed FLAMINGO, the Model 990101-1 HUL-I (Hardened UpLink-Improved) improves battlenet reception and bandwidth in challenging mission areas, such as previously glassed worlds. |
|
Epic | Joint Fire Event Pass Level 10 |
Rakshasa core[edit]
| Helmet Attachments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet Attachment | Manufacturer | Lore | Compatible Helmets | Rarity | Unlock Requirements |
 HUL-I/BNR/DEWSPRING |
Materials Group | DEWSPRING is an uplink co-processor which provides hardware-acceleration for interpreting deep-layer Covenant proselytization network protocols, which remain in widespread use by various remnant forces and pocket empires. | Rakshasa | Epic | Complete the "Right Between the Eyes" Ultimate Challenge between June 21 and June 28, 2022 |
Mirage IIC core[edit]
| Helmet Attachment | Manufacturer | Lore | Compatible Helmets | Rarity | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-KORDA_attachment_icon.png){kind=icon} HUL[2I]/KORDA |
Emerson Tactical Systems | Cost-reduced battlenet node optimized for fast uplink and minimal onboard cache. |
|
Epic | Purchase "ComNet Bundle" from the Shop for 1,500 cR |
 HUL/BNR/ORIGO |
Misriah Armory | CMA-era battlenet link, cleverly upgraded in the field to work with contemporary mesh networks. |
|
Epic | Site Unseen Event Pass level 6 |
Production notes[edit]
- During the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta, the "camera" variant of the CNM on the CQC helmet, along with UA attachment on the Mark V[B] helmet, was labelled as HUL. Both helmet attachments costed 5,000 credits.
- In the final release of Halo: Reach, four mislabeled helmet attachments involved the HUL:
- The standard HUL module was mislabeled as the CNM on the EVA[C] helmet.
- The standard HUL module was was mislabeled as the UA/HUL[3] on the EVA[C] helmet.
- The standard HUL module was mislabeled as the HUL-I on the Recon helmet.
- The CNM module was mislabeled as the UA/HUL-I on the Mark VI helmet.
List of appearances[edit]
- Remember Reach
- Birth of a Spartan (First appearance)
- Deliver Hope
- Halo Reach
- Halo: Fall of Reach
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo: Lone Wolf
- Halo: Outpost Discovery
- Halo Infinite
Notes[edit]
- ^ The in-game options in Halo: Reach Armory erroneously refer to the standard HUL attachment on EVA[C] as "CNM" and "HUL[3]".
- ^ The release of Halo Infinite was accompanied by a series of retcons, with this HUL variant being re-designated into the CNM/BNR/FARNDALE.
Sources[edit]
- ^ Halo: Reach, Armory
- ^ a b Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL-I/XFTREC/FLAMINGO - Helmet Attachment Description "Codenamed FLAMINGO, the Model 990101-1 HUL-I (Hardened UpLink-Improved) improves battlenet reception and bandwidth in challenging mission areas, such as previously glassed worlds."
- ^ a b c Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL[5X]/BNR/ECHELON - Helmet Attachment Description "High-power battlenet relay with the latest in electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to "burn" through active jamming and signal flooding techniques employed by Insurrection and Covenant remnant forces."
- ^ a b Halo: Reach, Armory: Mark V[B], CQC, EOD, Operator, EVA, Security & CQB - UA/HUL Helmet Descripvtions "Up-armored variant with hardened uplink module for MILINT acquisition."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: CNM(5)/BNR/FASCINATOR - Helmet Attachment Description "Known to ONI by the codename "FASCINATOR", the AN/PCK-440 "pick four-forty" is a fifth-generation hardened uplink rarely seen outside of UNSC special forces."
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL/BNR/ORIGO - Helmet Attachment Description "CMA-era battlenet link, cleverly upgraded in the field to work with contemporary mesh networks."
- ^ a b c Halo: Reach, Armory: Pilot - HUL[3] Helmet Description "Third-generation external hardened uplink for MILINT acquisition; required for sensitive OPs."
- ^ Halo: Reach, Armory: Air Assault - FC-I Helmet Description "Command network module-Improved; external hardened uplink. A favorite of Pathfinder units."
- ^ a b c d e f Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL[3]/BNR/COURIER PEARL - Helmet Attachment Description "COURIER PEARL is a 3rd generation HUL (Hardened UpLink) designed and manufactured by the Watershed Division for use by Section III and Spartan team leaders."
- ^ a b Halo: Reach, Armory: Commando - UA/HUL[3] Helmet Description "Up-armored variant with hardened 3rd generation uplink module for MILINT acquisition."
- ^ Halo: Reach, Armory: Commando - UA/FC-I[2] Helmet Description "Up-armored variant with external command network and hardened 3rd generation uplink modules."
- ^ Halo: Reach, Armory: Mark VI - FC-I[2] Helmet Description "External command network and hardened 3rd-generation uplink modules."
- ^ Halo: Reach, Armory: Recon - UA/HUL[3] Helmet Description "Up-armored variant with hardened 3rd-generation uplink module for MILINT acquisition."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL-I/BNR/DEWSPRING - Helmet Attachment Description "DEWSPRING is an uplink co-processor which provides hardware-acceleration for interpreting deep-layer Covenant proselytization network protocols, which remain in widespread use by various remnant forces and pocket empires."
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL[2I]/KORDA - Helmet Attachment Description "Cost-reduced battlenet node optimized for fast uplink and minimal onboard cache."
- ^ a b c d e Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL-I/LIGHTLINK - Helmet Attachment Description "Widely used by UNSC Army, Lightlinks have been adopted by the Spartans as a readily available source of short-range hardened uplinks."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL-I/LIGHTSPIKE - Helmet Attachment Description "The proven technology of an RS-I Lightlink in a more refined package."
- ^ a b Halo: Reach, Armory: JFO - HUL-I Helmet Description "External hardened uplink-improved; upgraded variant of the standard issue HUL unit."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: HUL[4X]/ENIT/WITCHBRANCH - Helmet Attachment Description "WITCHBRANCH can remotely hack most UNSC and UEG computer hardware though exploitation of embedded architectural faults and hidden siphon implants placed there by ONI. As the Created rapidly iterate on their own computational technologies this tool is unlikely to remain useful for much longer."
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