How our data travels. There are 1.4 million km (870,000 miles) of telecommunication cables on the seafloor, covering every ocean on the planet. Laid end to end, these cables would span the diameter of the Sun, and are responsible for the transfer of 99% of all digital data.Oct 15, 2024
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Yes, over 95% of all international data and voice transfers are routed through sea cables, also known as submarine communications cables. These fiber optic cables are laid on the ocean floor and are the backbone of the global internet, carrying the bulk of international communications like email, webpages, and video calls.
What are sea cables?
- They are fiber optic cables laid on the ocean floor.
- They are a critical part of international telecommunications, carrying the vast majority of data and voice traffic.
- They are more efficient and reliable than satellite communications for high-capacity, cost-effective connections.
Why are they important?
- They carry a large amount of data, including internet traffic, emails, and phone calls.
- They are essential for international banking transactions and other financial activities.
- They are a vital part of the global information economy and are relied upon by many countries for their economic output.
How are they protected?
- Cables are strategically routed to avoid known hazards and areas of geopolitical tension.
- They are constructed with sturdy materials to withstand harsh ocean conditions.
- Some experts have suggested establishing cable protection zones and amending international laws to deter sabotage.
Undersea telecommunication cables are the primary means of carrying international data, primarily through fiber optic technology, and play a crucial role in connecting the world's internet infrastructure. These cables, laid on the ocean floor, transmit vast amounts of data, including internet traffic, video calls, and financial transactions. They are also essential for connecting remote locations like Alaska, Hawaii, and the US territories to the mainland.
Here's a more detailed look:
1. Function:
- Undersea cables are the backbone of the global internet, carrying over 95% of international data.
- They provide the high-bandwidth connections needed for various applications, including streaming, financial transactions, and scientific collaboration.
- Fiber-optic technology allows for efficient and high-speed data transfer over long distances.
2. Technology:
- The cables use fiber optic technology to transmit data as light signals through tiny glass fibers.
- Repeaters are used to boost the signal strength every 70-100 km along the cable's length.
- These allow a single cable to serve multiple endpoints.
- Cables are typically encased in multiple layers of materials to protect them from the harsh marine environment.
3. Importance:
- Undersea cables are essential for connecting continents and regions, supporting international trade, communication, and scientific cooperation.
- They play a vital role in supporting global economies and are a critical part of the telecommunications infrastructure.
- They are also important for national security, carrying government and military communications.
4. Examples:
5. Challenges and Considerations:
- Subsea cables are susceptible to damage from fishing activities, anchoring, and natural events like earthquakes and landslides.
- Repairing damaged cables can be time-consuming and costly, requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
- The strategic importance of undersea cables has led to increased attention to their security and potential vulnerabilities.UNDER WATER SEA CABLES NOT SATELLITES
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