Undersea Cables Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter
Cables under the ocean support most of the internet we use every day. Satellites and wireless networks may seem important, but undersea cables carry most of the world’s internet traffic and connect countries. These cables sit on the ocean floor and allow things like video calls, online payments, cloud services, and social media to work. As people and businesses connect more online, these cables matter even more. Big tech companies are spending a lot of money to build new undersea cables. At the same time, people are more worried about keeping them safe and working well. Because they can send large amounts of data very fast, these cables are essential to the global digital world. What are undersea cables? Undersea cables are also called underwater cables. They are fiber optic cables placed on the seabed. These cables connect countries and areas across the sea. They send data using light. This allows information to move very fast and in very large amounts. New cables can carry huge amounts of data every second. They can send data across very long distances. According to BBC Future, each cable is about 2 centimeters thick. This is similar to a garden hose. Each cable runs for thousands of miles under the sea. This cable system is very large. Recorded Future reports that, as of April 2025, about 597 underwater cables are working or being built around the world. These cables connect continents, companies, and homes. At the same time, the International Telecommunication Union said that companies installed almost 200,000 kilometers of new cables in 2024 alone. Altogether, these cables are about 1.4 million kilometers long. This is enough to go around the Earth more than 35 times, based on data from Subsea Cables. The expanding scale of infrastructure This enormous network drives an industry experiencing rapid growth due to rising global data demand. According to Precedence Research, the global submarine cable system market was valued at USD 22.96 billion in 2025 and may reach USD 54.81 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 10.15%. These cables carry about 99% of all intercontinental internet traffic, as reported by the Atlantic Council, while satellites handle less than 5% and operate at much lower speeds. However, this expansion comes with physical challenges. The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) reports an average of 199 undersea cable faults each year worldwide. Fishing and anchoring cause around 86% of these disruptions. Despite a 50% increase in cable route distance since 2013, the industry has kept fault rates stable through better protective measures, according to Submarine Networks. Why undersea cables matter for global connectivity Undersea cables are long cables under the ocean that carry the internet around the world. They are very important for daily life and for the world economy. These cables help people, businesses, and countries stay connected. Building resilient digital infrastructure The world uses undersea cables more than before. Because of this, strong networks are needed. But many networks do not have backup lines or fast repair teams. When a cable breaks, places without backups can lose internet for a long time. Also, political problems and slow repairs can make this worse. This can harm communication and business. For this reason, undersea cable networks must be ready. At the same time, more people use digital services every year. So, staying online during problems is very important. To reduce risk, companies should use backup systems. For example, more than one route helps keep the network working. In Southeast Asia, a good internet is important for business. Without it, companies can fall behind. ARNet is a top dark fiber provider. It runs an all-fiber network built for AI. The network covers over 10,000 kilometers. It reaches Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. By using sea and land cables, ARNet connects 60 data centers. Because of this, it offers clear SLAs and fast setup with one license. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Cabling and Dark Fiber: 4+ Practical Tips to Boost Speed, Security, and Uptime
Cabling is the base of modern networks. It means the cables and links that move data between devices and places. These include fiber cables, copper cables, and coaxial cables. They carry voice, video, and data inside a business. Good cabling keeps connections steady, reduces problems, and supports daily work. A network needs good planning, proper setup, and regular checks to work well and stay safe. Over time, this helps the network last longer in data centers and business networks. To see how it helps different needs, look at the main types used today. What are the three types of cabling? There are three main types of cabling used in networks, where each type serves different needs, such as speed, distance, and daily use. Some work best in offices and small networks, while others support larger systems that carry large amounts of data. Below is a simple explanation of each type. Cabling practical tips for enhanced network performance Before looking at specific best practices, it is important to know that cabling is a basic part of how a network works. Good planning helps keep the network steady, supports growth, and allows data to move smoothly as needs increase. It also helps lower the risk of problems caused by weak or messy connections. Starting with a clear and simple approach helps organizations deal with future growth and technology changes more easily. By setting easy rules from the start, teams can build a network that is easier to manage, fix, and improve over time. This leads naturally into the key points explained next. 1. Plan cabling before starting Make simple drawings and choose where cables will go before work starts. Check what the network needs now and later. Look at the area to find clear paths and avoid trouble spots. Good planning helps stop mistakes, saves time, and helps new cabling work well with the current network. 2. Use fiber cabling for long runs Use fiber cables for main links and long runs that need fast and steady data. Fiber is not affected by electrical noise and can send data far without problems. It also helps keep data safe. Using fiber helps the network stay strong and ready for future needs. 3. Keep simple cabling records and stock lists Write down basic details for all cabling, such as type, path, install date, and past fixes. Use easy tools or lists to track where cables are and their condition. Check these records often so problems can be found and fixed faster. Good records make daily work easier and reduce mistakes. 4. Install cables correctly and test them Install cables by following basic rules and have trained workers check the work. Test each cable after installation to make sure the signal is good before use. Check fiber connections so signal loss stays low. Careful installation and testing help avoid future problems and service downtime. 5. Use field teams for regular checks and repairs Place field workers in key areas so they can reach problems quickly. Do regular checks and simple maintenance to find issues early. Make sure teams have enough tools and spare parts. Regular field work helps keep the network stable and working well. Optimizing network infrastructure for business growth Network cabling infrastructure is a long term investment that affects connectivity, security, and daily operations for many years. Good planning that uses fiber cables, clear records, and proper installation helps networks grow with the business. By following simple best practices, organizations can improve performance, reduce downtime, and keep important data and communications safe. ARNet is a reliable choice for organizations that need stable and long lasting network infrastructure. With more than 10,000 kilometers of dark fiber across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, ARNet provides steady cabling and connectivity through its Design, Build, and Operate model. Ongoing monitoring, clear service agreements, and access to over 60 data centers help support secure and scalable growth. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet