The network of cables and
boxes we see around us for internet connection is only a small part of
connecting the whole world. The real network of internet connection, speed and
data transfer is spread under the sea. This network connects the whole world to each other.
Through the map below, you can understand how the world establishes a virtual
connection through cables laid under the sea.
99% of the world's communication
and data transfer takes place through communication cables laid under the sea.
These cables are called submarine communication cables. There are 331 such
communication cables all over the world. Big Internet companies like Google,
Microsoft and Facebook spread it.
Submarine
optical fiber cables are significantly cheaper for data transfer than satellite
systems. Their network is also much faster. 100-200 kms cables are
usually laid in a day. Their width is around 17 millimeters. These
cables are thousands of kilometers long and spread as deep as Everest.
They are
laid on the sea surface through a special boat known as Cable Layers. These cables are buried under
the sea surface using high pressure water jet technology. So that no sea
creatures or submarines can harm them. Many
times sea sharks have tried to chew these cables. After this, shark-proof wire
wrappers were introduced over the cables.
In 2013 some mischievous swimmers cut four cables
reaching Egypt from Europe and America. Due to this the internet speed of the
entire Egypt was slowed by 60 percent.
Robots are sent to find out where the
cable is cut. The lifespan of a cable is 25 years. Singapore is called the
junction of submarine cables. 16 cables pass through here. For the first time
in 1854, cables were laid under the sea. A telegraph cable was then laid
between Newfoundland and Ireland.
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