- These vital cables can be damaged by earthquakes or ships.
Submarine Cable: Today we consider the Internet to be connected to mobile or Wi-Fi but the reality is much more interesting than this. When you open the website of another country or make a video call to someone sitting abroad, this data passes not through the sky but through the depths of the sea.
What are undersea cables?
To connect countries around the world, very special cables are laid under the sea, which are called undersea cables or submarine cables. These cables work on fiber optic technology which have very thin glass fibers inside them. Through these, data reaches thousands of kilometers away in the form of light signals.
Where are these cables made?
Only a few select companies in the world do the work of making these special cables. These include companies like SubCom, Alcatel Submarine Networks and NEC Corporation. These cables are manufactured in high-tech factories where each layer is made with utmost care. A cable not only consists of fiber but several layers of steel, copper and insulation are applied over it so that it can be protected from sea pressure, water and external threats.
How are cables laid in the sea?
These cables are not laid in the ordinary way but with the help of special ships. First the entire route is surveyed and then the cable is slowly spread on the seabed. At some places it is also buried underground so that it is protected from fishing nets or ship anchors.
Can the internet ever shut down?
These cables laid under the sea are very strong but not completely safe. Sometimes these cables can be damaged by earthquakes, ship anchors or even shark bites. However, such incidents are rare and companies immediately send teams to fix them.
Why are these cables necessary?
You will be surprised to know that about 95% of the world’s internet data is transferred through these undersea cables. Satellite internet is also available but it is not so fast and reliable. These cables laid under the sea are the lifeline of the modern world. Even though we cannot see them, our everyday digital life depends on them.
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