1. Cable Design
- Optical Fibers: At the core of the cable are tiny glass fibers that carry data as light pulses.
- Protective Layers: These fibers are surrounded by several protective layers to withstand underwater conditions. Layers include steel wires, polyethylene, water barriers, and insulation to prevent damage from pressure, corrosion, and marine life.
- Armored Cables: In shallow waters near shorelines, cables are heavily armored to protect against fishing trawlers, anchors, and other potential disturbances.
2. Cable Laying Process
- Surveying the Sea Floor: Detailed seabed surveys are conducted to choose the best path for the cable, avoiding undersea hazards like mountains or trenches.
- Cable-Laying Ships: Specialized ships are used to lay these cables. The cable is slowly unspooled from the ship and carefully laid on the sea floor as the ship moves.
- Plowing in Shallow Waters: In shallow waters (close to the shore), the cables may be buried using underwater plows to protect them from damage.
3. Installation Depths
- Deep Sea: In the deep ocean, cables are laid directly on the seabed where the risk of disturbance is low.
- Shallow Waters: Near the coasts, cables are more vulnerable and may be buried to protect them from human activity.
4. Repeater Stations
- Amplifiers: Every 50–80 km, signal repeaters are installed to boost the light signals that carry the data, ensuring it can travel over vast distances without losing strength.
5. Maintenance
- Repairs: If the cable is damaged, repair ships are dispatched to retrieve the affected section, fix it, and re-lay it on the seabed.
