Beacon
A basic beacon is a device that transmits module effects to nearby machines. The effects are transmitted with only half efficiency. However, a basic beacon allows you to transmit the effect of a module to multiple machines and the effect of all beacons around is added (it might make sense to use more beacons in a dense area). Additionally, beacons can add qualities beyond the normal effective module cap of an item, such as boosting a Pumpjack's output at peak oil to .25 oil per cycle where, alone, it could only reach .2 yield. Only buildings with module slots can benefit from modules distributed by beacons(i.e. laser turret doesn't benefit), but beacons themselves don't benefit from the modules inserted, so their energy cost can't be reduced.
Currently, only speed and efficiency modules can be used in the basic beacon, and productivity modules cannot.
Usage
Beacons are extremely specialized since you need to focus your buildings around a beacon layout to be worth placing.
Their need for power makes them only useable with serious planning!
Examples
- Factorio-beacon.png
Basic beacon and 12 Electric furnaces affected by it. See this forum thread.
- Iron-smelting-with-beacon.png
Beacon and 12 Electric furnaces affected by it also works for other ways (0.9.8).