The Undersea Cables and Satellites: The Backbone of the Internet

Introduction

When we think about the internet, our minds might drift to clouds and iClouds, but the reality is far more fascinating. The internet is not just in the cloud; it spans across oceans and continents, powered by a complex network of undersea cables. These cables, stretching almost 750,000 miles, are responsible for transmitting 99% of the world's internet traffic. However, as incredible as this technology is, it also comes with its vulnerabilities. In this blog, we will explore the remarkable journey of undersea cables, their advantages over satellites, and why they continue to be the primary means of global communication despite their limitations.

The Journey of Undersea Cables

The use of undersea telecommunication cables dates back to the Victorian era when the first telegraph cable connected Europe and North America. Although it took 17 hours to transmit a message, it marked the beginning of a revolutionary era of global communication. Over the years, these cables evolved, and in 1956, the first transatlantic telephone cable, known as TAT-1, was introduced.

The demand for faster and more extensive communication continued to grow throughout the 20th century, leading to the rise of the World Wide Web. Fiber optic technology emerged as a game-changer, replacing traditional coaxial cables for data transmission. These thin glass strands, thinner than a human hair, propelled data using lasers. They were not only faster but also cheaper and more flexible.

Advantages of Undersea Cables

Despite their vulnerabilities, undersea cables offer several advantages over satellite communication:

Higher Capacity:

Undersea cables can transmit vast amounts of data, making them crucial for handling the ever-increasing global internet traffic.

Lower Latency:

Unlike geostationary satellites that orbit far away from Earth, undersea cables provide lower latency, reducing data transmission delays.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Building and maintaining undersea cables are more cost-effective compared to launching and maintaining satellites.

Resilience:

The expansive network of undersea cables allows rerouting of traffic if one cable fails, ensuring a more reliable and robust internet.

Vulnerabilities and Threats

While undersea cables offer numerous advantages, they are not invulnerable. The cables' location on the ocean floor makes them susceptible to various threats, such as:

Natural Disasters:

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and undersea landslides can damage or sever undersea cables, disrupting internet connectivity.

Fishing Ships:

Accidental anchor drops by fishing ships have resulted in cable cuts, causing significant internet outages.

Marine Life:

Sharks and other marine creatures have been known to damage undersea cables, though it's relatively rare.

Sabotage:

There are growing concerns about intentional sabotage or acts of terrorism targeting undersea cables.

The Rise of Satellites

Satellites, on the other hand, are an alternative to undersea cables for remote areas where laying cables is challenging. Historically, geostationary satellites were used, but they suffer from higher latency due to their distant orbits. However, there has been a recent push for low orbit satellites, like Elon Musk's Starlink network, which aims to minimize latency and provide global coverage.

Satellites vs. Undersea Cables: The Dilemma

While satellites offer advantages like global coverage and reduced infrastructure requirements, they still face challenges:

High Costs:

The deployment and maintenance of satellite networks, especially low orbit constellations, require significant investments.

Limited Capacity:

Satellites have limited capacity compared to undersea cables, making them less suitable for handling massive internet traffic.

Latency Concerns:

While low orbit satellites reduce latency, they may not match the low latency levels achieved by undersea cables.

Complementary Networks: The Way Forward

Rather than competing technologies, satellites and undersea cables can work together to create a robust global communication system. Undersea cables can continue to handle the majority of internet traffic, ensuring high capacity and reliability. Meanwhile, satellites can complement this network, providing connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach regions.

Conclusion

The internet's backbone lies beneath the ocean, traversing vast distances through undersea cables. While these cables may face vulnerabilities, they remain the most efficient and cost-effective means of global data transmission. Satellites, on the other hand, have their role in bridging connectivity gaps in remote areas. By embracing both technologies and addressing their respective challenges, we can ensure a more resilient and connected internet for the future. So, the next time you access the internet, remember the incredible journey of data through the depths of the ocean and the skies above.