Warp factor

A warp factor is a term indicating v elocity in the subspace realm where faster-than-light (FTL) speeds are possible. Starfleet and the Federation has used the Cochrane scale up intil the early 24th century, whereupon a revised scale was put into effect when a more complete understanding of the nature of subspace was reached.

Cochrane scale (22nd and 23rd centuries)
In the 23rd century, the warp factor, WF, was calculated as follows:
 * WF = $$\sqrt[3]{v/c}$$

where v is the speed of the signal or starship and c = 3.0x108 m/s (the speed of light). At Warp 1, a starship reaches light-speed, or c; at Warp 6, it reaches 216c. This continues up to a then-theoretical maximum (as of 2295) of 3511c, or Warp 15.2, for ships of any size. The speed of data transmissions through subspace are only limited by the power of the transmission itself.