Webway

Webway is a term used in science fiction to describe a network of interconnected portals or tunnels that enable rapid, long-distance travel between distant locations. In many depictions, the Webway operates within an alternate dimension or subspace, allowing travelers to avoid the hazards of ordinary space and to move between worlds without passing through conventional space travel. The concept is often presented as either a constructed system engineered by a civilization or a naturally occurring, navigable feature of the cosmos.

Origins and construction are variable across settings. Some stories portray the Webway as the product of an ancient or highly advanced civilization that designs a lattice of gateways into a controllable network. Others depict it as a near-immutable dimensional framework that can be mapped and accessed with specialized equipment. In several narratives, particular groups or species maintain the gateways, enforce rules for entry, and oversee the integrity of routes to prevent misuse or collapse.

Operation and navigation typically rely on route planning, authentication, and guardianship of key nodes. Travelers may need specific devices, permissions, or expertise to chart safe passages. Gateways can be unstable, require maintenance, or be vulnerable to intrusion, environmental hazards, or dimensional tampering. The quality of navigation, security, and gate stability directly influences travel time, reliability, and risk.

Impact and depiction: Webways often enable rapid supply lines, diplomatic exchanges, and military campaigns within a fictional universe, influencing strategic considerations and political power. Factions may seek to control segments of the network, protect their routes, or disrupt rivals. Some works explore the ethical and existential implications of relying on an extradimensional infrastructure and the potential consequences of network failure.

See also: wormhole, hyperlane, jump gate, extradimensional travel.