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GCSB itself function almost entirely as components of this integrated system.

Each station in the network - not just the satellite stations - has Dictionary
computers that report to the ECHELON system


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United States spy satellites, designed to intercept communications from orbit
above the earth, are also likely to be connected into the ECHELON system.

These satellites either move in orbits that criss-cross the earth or, like
the Intelsats, sit above the Equator in geostationary orbit.

They have antennae that can scoop up very large quantities of radio
communications from the areas below.

A final element of the ECHELON system are facilities that tap directly into
land-based telecommunications systems, completing a near total coverage of
the world's communications.

The microwave networks are made up of chains of microwave towers relaying
messages from hilltop to hilltop (always within line of sight) across the
countryside. These networks shunt large quantities of communications across
a country. Intercepting them gives access to international underseas
communications (once they surface) and to international communication trunk
lines across continents.

They are also an obvious target for large-scale interception of domestic
communications. Of course, when the microwave route is across one of the
UKUSA countries' territory it is much easier to arrange interception.


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The ECHELON s