The Unseen Backbone: Undersea Cables and Global Connectivity

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Invention of the Telegraph
   • Claude Chappe and the Mechanical Telegraph
   • The Electric Telegraph and Morse Code
   • The Submarine Telegraph
3. Connecting the World
   • The Transatlantic Cable
   • Expansion and Growth of Undersea Cables
4. How Undersea Cables Work
   • Cable Laying Process
   • Composition of Subsea Internet Cables
   • Importance of Undersea Cables in Global Communication
5. The Map of Undersea Cables
   • The Submarine Cable Map
   • Routes and Connections
   • Implications and Economic Impact
6. Ownership and Surveillance
   • Dominance of Tech Giants
   • Concerns about Data Privacy
7. The Physical Infrastructure of the Internet
   • The Dependence on Physical Components
   • Realizing the Physical Nature of the Internet
8. Conclusion

The Importance of Undersea Cables in Connecting the World

The Internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, enabling us to connect with people and access information from all around the world. However, very few of us understand how the Internet works and the crucial role that undersea cables play in its functioning. These cables form the backbone of global communication, allowing data to be transmitted across continents and under the vast oceans. In this article, we will explore the history of undersea cables, their significance in connecting the world, the technology behind them, and the implications of their ownership and surveillance by tech giants.

1. The Invention of the Telegraph

Claude Chappe and the Mechanical Telegraph

The journey of long-distance communication begins with the invention of the mechanical telegraph by Claude Chappe in 1777. This system utilized symbols visible from a long distance and allowed messages to be transmitted across hills and landscapes. The French telegraph, called the "télégraphe," revolutionized communication by reducing the time it took to send messages from hours to minutes.

The Electric Telegraph and Morse Code

In the 1830s, the electric telegraph was introduced as a significant improvement over the mechanical telegraph. This new technology utilized pulses of electricity transmitted through copper wires, enabling messages to be sent over long distances. Samuel Morse, a clever inventor, created Morse Code, an easy-to-learn alphabet composed of dots and dashes. Morse Code simplified communication and became widely used in military, government, railways, journalism, and big business.

The Submarine Telegraph

The invention of the submarine telegraph in 1850 marked a major milestone in long-distance communication. The laying of the first undersea cable across the English Channel allowed communication between two countries. Over time, larger networks of undersea cables were established across Europe and America, connecting the continents and forming the foundation of the modern internet.

2. Connecting the World

The Transatlantic Cable

The need to connect the telegraph networks of Europe and America led to the development of the Transatlantic cable. Cyrus West Field, an American businessman, spearheaded the project and successfully laid the first Transatlantic cable in 1858. This achievement allowed Queen Victoria to send the first transatlantic text message to President James Buchanan. Despite the initial cable's short lifespan, subsequent efforts led to the laying of more reliable cables, eventually expanding global connectivity.

Expansion and Growth of Undersea Cables

Over time, the network of undersea cables grew, connecting various regions of the world. These submarine cables enabled rapid transmission of information, supporting global commerce, financial transactions, and communication. They played a vital role in the development of the phone network, which later evolved into the internet as we know it today. The process of laying undersea cables has evolved but remains a crucial aspect of establishing connections between continents.

3. How Undersea Cables Work

Cable Laying Process

The process of laying undersea cables has become more advanced and efficient over the years. Nowadays, cables are dropped into the ocean and, closer to the shore, buried for added protection. The cables are composed of a core made up of fiber-optic cables, which carry the actual data, encased in a protective layer of polyethylene. Additional layers of copper sheathing, aluminum, or steel wires provide further protection.

Composition of Subsea Internet Cables

Modern subsea internet cables are about as thick as a human garden hose. The majority of the cable consists of protective layers, such as polyethylene and metal wires. However, the crucial component is the tiny bundle of fiber-optic cables within the core. These fiber-optic cables enable the transmission of information at the speed of light, facilitating the rapid transfer of vast amounts of data across continents.

Importance of Undersea Cables in Global Communication

Despite the wireless nature of our devices, we must remember that the internet still relies on physical infrastructure. Undersea cables play a critical role in transmitting data between regions, ensuring global connectivity. These cables carry an estimated $10 trillion worth of financial transactions every day. Their reliability and resilience are essential for businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide.

4. The Map of Undersea Cables

The Submarine Cable Map

Telegeography's submarinecablemap.com provides a comprehensive visualization of all undersea cables worldwide. This colorful map showcases the 552 cables and counting that enable global connectivity. It reveals a network that stretches across oceans, connecting different parts of the world. The map provides insights into the routes and connections, highlighting which regions are most interested in communicating with each other.

Routes and Connections

The map of undersea cables often displays surprising routes that prioritize laying sea cables over using available land routes. This is due to cost-effectiveness and faster transmission times offered by undersea cables. Some of these routes take unexpected paths, circumventing continents to optimize connectivity. Major flight paths and shipping lanes often align with the map, emphasizing the connection between global transportation and communication networks.

Implications and Economic Impact

The density of undersea cable connections between North America and Europe reflects the extensive cross-continental commerce and communication occurring between these regions. Meanwhile, regions with fewer cable connections tend to be the world's poorest. The dependence on undersea cables highlights concerns about ownership and surveillance. A small number of powerful tech companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta, are investing in building their private cables. This raises questions about data privacy and the control of crucial infrastructure by unregulated entities.

5. Ownership and Surveillance

The increasing dominance of a handful of tech giants in building undersea cables raises concerns about data privacy and control. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have invested significant resources in constructing their private cables, ensuring their dominance in transmitting global data. It is crucial to consider the implications of depending on unregulated entities for critical 21st-century infrastructure. The potential for surveillance and data collection raises questions about the privacy and security of individuals' online activities.

6. The Physical Infrastructure of the Internet

In an era of wireless technology, it is easy to forget the physical components that underpin the internet. Servers, wires, and data centers constitute the physical infrastructure required for the internet to function. Acknowledging the physical nature of the internet is essential for understanding its vulnerabilities and the need for safeguarding critical components.

7. Conclusion

The development and growth of undersea cables played a pivotal role in connecting the world and establishing the foundation of the internet. From the mechanical telegraph to the electric telegraph, each advancement in communication technology paved the way for faster and more reliable global connectivity. The modern internet heavily relies on undersea cables to transmit data across continents. However, concerns about ownership, surveillance, and data privacy continue to shape the landscape of global communication. As we navigate the digital age, it is crucial to understand the physical infrastructure that enables our online experiences and consider the implications of relying on a small number of powerful entities.