Jump points were used as transit between normal space and hyperspace an alternate dimension which is used for faster-than-light travel between locations. To do this required a huge amount of energy and so most hyperspace travel was achieved via a Jumpgate, though Starships that could meet the energy requirements could generate their own Jump points with use of on-board Jump Engines.

They were a large energized vortex that punches a hole between the dimensions and allowed objects to pass from one side to the other, strictly one way. An outgoing jump point for a ship that was about to enter hyperspace was light orange in color, and incoming jump points for ships re-entering normal space were blue. For safety reasons, jump points were normally opened only in deep space, away from any potential navigational hazards though with sufficiently accurate targeting information it was possible to open a jump point within, and safely transit into, a planetary atmosphere.

By 2271, the Interstellar Alliance had discovered that they could use Jump drive technology to enter Quantum space, a dimension that allowed ships to travel twice as fast as Hyperspace.