Submarine cables and the Internet: how do they connect to the digital world?
Submarine cables are the real arteries of the global Internet, carrying over 95% of data traffic between continents. These infrastructures, buried deep in the sea, ensure global connectivity.
Once on land, submarine cables are directly connected to strategic inshore data centers known as Edge Datacenters. These infrastructures serve as network access points, reducing latency while facilitating swift data processing close to users. In France, UltraEdge is particularly well established, benefiting from an extensive network of data centers spread across the country. Our facilities ensure reliable connectivity and optimized performance for our customers. This is particularly true in coastal regions, where cable landing is essential for the smooth operation of the global Internet infrastructure. This dense network enables us to support the growing demand for bandwidth while guaranteeing enhanced data security.
History and Development of submarine Internet cables
The history of undersea cables began in the 19th century with the installation of the first telegraph cable, linking Europe and America. This first submarine cable marked a turning point in international communication, laying the foundations for what would later become the essential infrastructure of the Internet. The ship Great Eastern played a key role in this venture, installing the first transatlantic cable.
Transition to telecommunications cables
With the development of technology, telegraph cables evolved into telecommunications cables capable of transmitting voice, and then digital data. This transition was accelerated by the introduction of fiber optics, which boosted the capacity of cables for transmitting information.
Modern submarine cables are mainly fiber optic, enabling extremely high data rates. Advanced technologies, such as the use of repeaters, amplify the signal at regular intervals, enabling data to travel long distances without degradation. These cables, sometimes measuring several thousand kilometers, are essential for global Internet connectivity, linking points as far apart as Africa and the Réunion Island.
Submarine cable installation and maintenance
Submarine cable installation is a complex operation involving specialized ships known as cable layers. These vessels deploy the cable on the seabed using a plow to bury it under the marine sediment, protecting the cable from potential damage. Cable diameters are optimized for durability and performance.
Maintenance and repair
Repairs to submarine cables are essential to maintain the continuity of Internet services. Cables can be damaged by ship anchors, earthquakes or fishing. Maintenance teams must quickly identify and repair damaged sections to avoid extended service interruptions.
Challenges and solutions
Challenges facing submarine cables include accidental cuttings and potential threats. Protection strategies include reinforcing cables and implementing monitoring systems to detect disruptions. In addition, advanced security solutions are put in place to prevent spying and guarantee the confidentiality of the data sent.
Economic and geopolitical impact
Submarine cables are essential to the global digital economy. They enable international financial transactions, content streaming and cloud services. The availability and reliability of submarine cables have a direct impact on global economic development.
Submarine cables are also at the heart of geopolitical issues. They represent a strategic lever for the United States, Europe and other world powers seeking to control critical infrastructures. GAFAMs, notably Google, are investing heavily in new cables to secure their grip on the data market.
Questions of security and espionage are omnipresent. Revelations by Edward Snowden have highlighted the possibility of intelligence agencies gaining access to data transiting over these cables. Cable security is therefore an issue of national sovereignty for many countries.
By ensuring connectivity between continents, Internet submarine cables are the backbone of the global network. Their installation, maintenance and protection are essential to support a dynamic and secure digital economy. As global demand for bandwidth continues to grow, innovation in the design and management of these cables will be all the more important to meet future challenges.