Como os cabos submarinos garantem a sua internet

Summary

The video explains the crucial role of submarine cables in global internet connectivity. These fiber optic cables, often buried beneath oceans, transmit over 90% of the world’s data between continents. The video explores their history, from the first transatlantic cable in 1958 to modern-day high-speed systems managed by companies like Google and Microsoft. It highlights the technology behind these cables, their protection, and the threats they face. Ultimately, it emphasizes that even wireless connections like Wi-Fi and 5G rely on these underwater cables to deliver reliable internet service.

Takeaways

• 😀 The internet connection on your devices, like smartphones and computers, often relies on Wi-Fi or mobile signals (4G/5G), but the actual data transmission involves undersea cables.
• 😀 Submarine fiber-optic cables are the backbone of global internet connections, with over 500 cables linking countries and continents.
• 😀 These undersea cables are crucial for more than 90% of international data transmission between nations.
• 😀 The first transatlantic submarine cable, launched in 1958, was a telegraph cable that connected the United States and Ireland, measuring 3,000 km in length.
• 😀 Modern submarine cables have a much higher capacity, capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 400 terabits per second, which can support millions of people streaming content simultaneously.
• 😀 The cables are composed of multiple protective layers, and the fiber-optic strands inside are as thin as a human hair, allowing high-speed light signals to carry vast amounts of information.
• 😀 While sharks used to be a threat to undersea cables, modern cables are now designed to be shark-resistant, with new technology preventing damage.
• 😀 The major threats to submarine cables today include anchor dragging by ships and trawler fishing, which can cause physical damage to the cables.
• 😀 In Brazil, two major poles exist for undersea cables—one in Fortaleza, connecting Brazil to Europe, and another in Praia Grande, São Paulo, connecting Brazil to the United States, Argentina, and Uruguay.
• 😀 Even wireless connections, like Wi-Fi and 5G, depend on fiber-optic cables at some point in the transmission process, making them essential for maintaining high-speed internet access.
• 😀 Wireless networks help spread the internet signal to multiple devices, allowing for better connectivity within homes or on the go, though they can face some interference compared to fiber-optic connections.

Q & A

What are the two common ways to connect to the internet mentioned in the script?

The two common ways to connect to the internet mentioned are via Wi-Fi or using mobile 4G or 5G signals.

What role do submarine fiber optic cables play in global internet connectivity?

Submarine fiber optic cables are responsible for more than 90% of the data transmission between countries and continents, forming the backbone of global internet connectivity.

When was the first Transatlantic submarine cable launched, and what was its purpose?

The first Transatlantic submarine cable was launched in 1958, and it was used for telegraph communication between the United States and Ireland, not for internet transmission.

How are modern submarine cables designed to protect against environmental damage?

Modern submarine cables are protected by multiple layers that safeguard them from water exposure. They are also designed to be unattractive to marine life like sharks, a common issue in the past.

What are some challenges to the integrity of submarine cables mentioned in the script?

The biggest threats to submarine cables today are anchor dragging by ships and trawling fishing nets, which can damage or disrupt the cables.

What is the significance of fiber optic cables' ability to transmit data at high speeds?

Fiber optic cables can transmit data at speeds up to 400 terabits per second, equivalent to 17.5 million people streaming video at the same time, showcasing their immense capacity and speed.

How do fiber optic cables transmit light signals without interference?

Fiber optic cables use hair-thin fibers coated with reflective materials to prevent light signals from being interfered with, enabling the transmission of large amounts of data simultaneously.

How do submarine cables connect to national networks within countries?

Submarine cables connect to national networks through data centers and the national backbone (backbone national), which distributes the internet across the country through terrestrial cables and local transmission stations.

What is the role of wireless connections like Wi-Fi or 5G in internet connectivity?

Wireless connections like Wi-Fi or 5G help propagate the internet signal, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet in different locations, though they rely on fiber optic cables for underlying data transmission.

Why is it important to understand the role of submarine cables in internet access?

Understanding the role of submarine cables highlights how global internet access is not purely wireless, but relies heavily on underwater infrastructure to ensure fast, uninterrupted data transmission across continents.