A cyberdeck, commonly abbreviated to deck, also known as a cybermodem in 2013, is a piece of technology used in Cyberpunk 2013, Cyberpunk 2020, Cyberpunk RED and Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2013[]
The cybermodem is first invented in 2005.[1]
Cyberpunk 2020[]
A standard cyberdeck is about the size of a paperback book, is made of plastic and weighs about half a kilogram. It features six (6) interface ports for adding additional options, and (6) output ports for "jacking in" other people (who are considered "passengers", as the owner of the deck is the only user able to take control of the unit). Every Netrunner starts their career with the standard deck.[2]
A majority of decks are immobile indoor units; however advances in technology has allowed for some decks to be used on-the-go outside.
Portable Decks: These Cyberdecks have internal, rechargeable power cells that can last up to 4 hours (1 hour of recharge = 1 hour of use).
Cyberlimb Decks are even more compact, about the size of a cigarette pack. These decks are installed directly into a Cyberlimb, and hardwired into the body using the I/O ports of the Cyberlimb, eliminating the need for additional wires and power sources. This hardwired option can be dangerous, however, as no-one can disconnect you, and you'll just burn.
Combat Assault Decks: These decks feature full metal/ceramic construction, making them resistant to impacts from either bullets or blunt trauma. Most combat decks are designed with portability in mind, and are able to plug into any phone line.
Cellular Decks: These decks have the ability to connect to a cellular phone network. They are efficient in developed city areas, but inoperative in rural districts.[2]
Improving Your Deck[]
A standard deck has only one memory module, capable of holding 10 memory units (MU); has a speed of 0; and a data wall strength of 2. While these values might not be significant at the start of a Netrunner's career, they will want to be be able to improve their deck as soon as possible.[2]
Memory: For the cost of 5,000ed, an additional memory can be purchased, increasing total capacity to 20 memory units.
Speed: For the cost of 2,000eb, the speed of a deck can be increased by one level, up to 5. The speed of a deck is a Netrunner's most important asset.
Data Walls: For the cost of 1,000eb, data wall level can be increased by one level, up to 10. Data walls protect a deck/user against anti-system programs.
Cyberdeck Options[]
In addition to basic models, there are a multitude of options which enhance the Cyberdeck's abilities.[2]
Trode sets are self-adhering electrodes that allow you run the Net without plugs. They are slower than plugs, but don't have any cost to humanity. 'Trode sets are commonly used by both amateur Netrunners, and "tourists" visiting the net.
Chipreader/recorders use standard chips (10eb each) to store programs, images, or other useful files from your deck.
Keyboards allow a Netrunner to indirectly use a deck. Unfortunately using a keyboard is extremely slow, even slower than using a 'trode connection, but it protects against anti-personal attacks.
Printers allow a Netrunner to create hard-copy images (or records) from their deck. The most common type are small laser-printers.
Scanners are flat plastic plates that have the ability to both read characters and record images. They can vary in size from a piece of small paper, up to around a square meter.
Videoboards are flat, high-definition displays that allow onlookers to see what a Netrunner is viewing.
VoxBoxers act as cigarette pack-sized speakers. They synthesize sound from the deck, granting oral communication from the Netrunner while they're in the Net.
Cyberpunk RED[]
After the DataKrash, the way the Net works changed dramatically. The net is now made up of closed-off intranets called NET Architectures which a Netrunner must physically get close to to access. To operate a Cyberdeck, a Netrunner is required to have Interface Plugs (which also means getting a Neural Link). It is also recommended that a Netrunner uses Virtuality Goggles, which layer am augmented reality view of the NET Architecture over their physical surroundings.
A Poor-Quality Cyberdeck with 5 Slots can be purchased for 100eb, a Standard-Quality Cyberdeck with 7 Slots can be purchased for 500eb, and an Excellent-Quality Cyberdeck with 9 Slots can be purchased for 1,000eb.[3]
Software (Programs / Black ICE)[]
Programs are installed onto a Cyberdeck using compatible slots. They are programs that can be activated within NET Architecture. A type of program is a Black ICE, which is an advanced program that is used to patrol the Architecture. Netrunners can use a Cyberdeck to bring their own Black ICE into the Architecture to combat enemy Black ICE. Black ICE takes up two slots in the Cyberdeck.[3]
Hardware[]
Hardware are additional devices attached to the Cyberdeck using compatible slots. Hardware can boost the performance abilities of the Cyberdeck or increase the strength of the programs stored on it.[3]
Cyberpunk 2077[]
Cyberdecks are a type of Operating System in Cyberpunk 2077, that allows its users to perform Netrunner abilities such as quickhacks and Breach Protocol. Cyberdecks come pre-installed with device quickhacks, base RAM, a buffer size, and several antipersonnel quickhack slots. The type and amount of pre-installed device quickhacks varies per manufacturer and increases at higher rarity.[4]
The cyberdeck chips of the 2077 era require neural links to function.[5]
Base RAM[]
In order to perform quickhacks, you require base RAM. Once a RAM unit has been used, it will take 60 seconds outside of combat to recover. The amount of RAM a cyberdeck has varies per manufacturer, model and rarity, and can be modified by perks in the Quickhacking skill tree in the Intelligence attribute or by installing Frontal Cortex cyberware.
Certain enemies may have quickhack resistance, increasing the amount of base RAM required for them to be hacked.
Buffer Size[]
The buffer size is used during Breach Protocol, and determines the amount of characters you can select from the Code Matrix. The buffer size can be increased by equipping higher rarity cyberdecks.
Slots[]
Every cyberdeck allows for the installation of an additional quickhack. The amount of additional quickhacks that can be installed varies per model and increases at higher rarities.
Available Cyberdecks[]
- Main article: Cyberpunk 2077 Cyberware#Cyberdecks
Available Quickhacks[]
- Main article: Cyberpunk 2077 Quickhacks
References[]
- ↑ PONDSMITH, M. Cyberpunk, Welcome to Night City: A Sourcebook for 2013. 1st Edition. R. Talsorian Games Inc., 1988.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 PONDSMITH, M. Cyberpunk 2020 Corebook. 2nd ed., Berkeley, CA, R. Talsorian Games, 1990. (p.??)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 PONDSMITH, M. Cyberpunk RED Corebook. 1st ed., Kenmore, WA, R. Talsorian Games, 2020. (pp.196–7)
- ↑ CD Projekt RED. Cyberpunk 2077. Video Game, Multi-Platform. Poland, CD Projekt S.A., 2020.
- ↑ Mike Pondsmith on Reddit - "BOTH require a neural spinal implant; it 's just that civilian implants aren't anywhere as bulky as David's. To be honest, to run the Net means that both Lucy and Dio have to have neural implants--they're just subdermal. It's difference between a subcompact car transmission and the transmission for a TANK."