The content discusses the critical role of undersea internet cables in powering the world's online networks and the potential vulnerability of this infrastructure to potential attacks, particularly from Russia.
The article begins by highlighting that while many people assume their internet connection comes from satellites, the reality is that over 99.5% of all transoceanic data is carried by around 380 undersea cables spanning 750,000 miles across the ocean floor. These fiber optic cables connect massive data centers supporting major cloud providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
The history of submarine communications cables is traced, from the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1858 to the modern fiber optic cables capable of carrying 400 terabits of data per second. Manufacturers have developed techniques to properly protect, power, and insulate these undersea cables to ensure optimal performance.
However, the article raises concerns about the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure to potential attacks, particularly from Russia. With hundreds of millions of internet users relying on these cables, any disruption could have significant global consequences. The article does not provide specific details on the nature of the threats or how vulnerable the cables truly are, but it highlights the geopolitical importance of this infrastructure and the need to ensure its security.
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by Wes O'Donnel... at wesodonnell.medium.com 04-02-2024
https://wesodonnell.medium.com/how-vulnerable-are-undersea-internet-cables-to-russian-attacks-888b984e36eaDeeper Inquiries