Software Engineering Daily

The Subsea Cable Network with Josh Dzieza

Feb 12, 2025
In this discussion, Josh Dzieza, a reporter from The Verge specializing in subsea cables, teams up with Gregor Vand, a tech security expert. They delve into the vital role of subsea cables, which transmit 95% of global internet data, and their vulnerability to geopolitical threats, particularly from major powers like Russia and China. The duo explores the challenges of cable repairs, the strategic decision-making in the industry, and the urgent need for security enhancements as tensions rise. They also touch on technological innovations shaping the future of these crucial infrastructures.
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INSIGHT

Cable Significance

  • Subsea cables are crucial for global communication, transmitting 95% of international internet traffic.
  • Satellites lack the bandwidth to handle the massive data flow of video and AI.
ANECDOTE

Maintenance Neglect

  • The maintenance of subsea cables is often neglected, with insufficient investment in repairs and new ships.
  • Hyperscalers like Meta and Google, now major cable owners, prioritize laying new cables over maintenance.
INSIGHT

Analog Repair Process

  • Cable repair is a surprisingly analog process, involving grappling hooks and manual splicing.
  • It's a slow, meticulous process happening on a massive scale, often in challenging ocean depths.
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