How Submarine Fiber Cable Installed?

Summary

This video explores the fascinating process of how submarine communications cables are laid at the bottom of the ocean, which carry 99% of international data. Despite the misconception that satellites handle global internet traffic, the reality is that these cables, which can stretch thousands of miles, transport data at the speed of light. The video delves into the complex installation process, the careful planning involved in choosing routes, and the challenges of maintaining these cables. It also touches on the technology inside the cables, the lifespan, and the future of these vital undersea communication networks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Satellites are not capable of handling massive data flow, and they are expensive with signal loss issues.
• 😀 99% of international data is transmitted through submarine communications cables at the bottom of the ocean.
• 😀 Submarine cables are about the size of a garden hose and carry internet traffic at the speed of light.
• 😀 Fewer than 300 submarine cable systems handle almost all internet traffic globally.
• 😀 Manufacturing submarine cables involves high-speed mills that wrap copper wire for electricity and protection.
• 😀 The cables are designed to withstand unpredictable ocean environments with additional layers of plastic, steel, and tar.
• 😀 Specialized vessels lay the cables on the ocean floor, using turntables and tanks to manage the massive cable spools.
• 😀 Laying cables requires meticulous planning, considering factors like undersea terrain and the risk of damage from fishing and boats.
• 😀 Undersea amplifiers are spaced 25 miles apart to boost signals and ensure data transmission remains strong over long distances.
• 😀 Submarine cables have a typical lifespan of 25 years, but they may become obsolete sooner due to advancing technology.
• 😀 When cables are replaced, older ones can be repurposed or salvaged for their raw materials, which helps reduce costs.

Q & A

Why are satellites not primarily used for transmitting large amounts of data?

Satellites are not ideal for transmitting large amounts of data because they have limited capacity, are expensive to maintain, and often suffer from signal loss during transfer. Additionally, sending data via satellite can be very costly, especially for large amounts like terabytes, which could cost billions of dollars per transmission.

What is the main method used for transmitting international data?

The main method used for transmitting international data is through submarine communications cables that lie on the ocean floor. These cables carry 99% of international data, and they are capable of transmitting information at the speed of light.

How many cable systems are responsible for most of the world's internet traffic?

Fewer than 300 submarine cable systems are responsible for carrying almost all internet traffic around the world.

How are submarine communication cables constructed?

Submarine communication cables are manufactured by first passing wires through high-speed mills that wrap them in copper casings to carry electricity. Depending on the cable's environment, plastic, steel, and tar are added to help the cable withstand unpredictable ocean conditions.

What kind of vessels are used to lay submarine cables on the seafloor?

Specialized vessels equipped with turntables to handle up to 4,000 tons of cable are used to lay submarine cables. These ships also have cavernous tanks where the cables are stored, and workers on board carefully lay the cables out onto the seafloor.

What are some of the challenges in laying submarine cables?

Laying submarine cables involves many challenges such as ensuring the cable does not get snagged or damaged, dealing with difficult ocean environments, and coordinating the work of specialists from various fields. Cables must also be laid with careful consideration of undersea geography, including mountains, valleys, and fault lines.

How is the route for laying submarine cables selected?

The route for laying submarine cables is chosen through a detailed survey by engineers and marine specialists, considering factors such as undersea terrain, environmental conditions, and minimizing risks from boat anchors or fishing trawlers.

What role do amplifiers play in submarine cables?

Amplifiers are placed about 25 miles apart in submarine cables to boost the voltage of signals carried through the fiber optics. This helps to prevent signal loss over long distances and ensures that the data transmission remains uninterrupted.

What happens when a submarine cable becomes obsolete?

When a submarine cable becomes obsolete, typically due to new technology requiring higher data capacities, the cable is replaced with a new one. The old cables can be repositioned along new paths for lower-capacity areas, and some companies may salvage the old cables for their raw materials.

How long do submarine cables typically last, and what happens to them after they are no longer in use?

The typical lifespan of a submarine cable is around 25 years. However, they often become obsolete before reaching this limit due to advancements in technology. After they are no longer needed, they can be removed, repurposed, or salvaged for materials, but some cables may still be in use for many years beyond their expected lifespan.