Cómo funciona internet: los cables submarinos que conectan al mundo

Un Mundo Inmenso2 minutes read

Underwater optical fiber cables are crucial for internet data transmission, with 97% of data flowing through them at high speeds of up to 160 terabytes per second. The meticulous process of installing these cables, dating back to the 19th century, is essential for global connectivity, with plans for new connections to remote areas like South Africa and Chile.

Insights

  • 97% of internet data is transmitted through underwater cables due to their high capacity and efficiency, with satellite technology being a secondary choice for limited areas, showcasing the critical role of submarine cables in global connectivity.
  • The meticulous installation process of submarine cables, involving precise calculations, years of preparation, and burial near shores, highlights the complexity and long-standing history of this technology, dating back to the 19th century and continuously expanding to enhance connectivity across the globe.

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Recent questions

  • How is internet data transmitted across oceans?

    Through underwater cables coated with protective layers.

  • What is the history of submarine cables?

    Dates back to the 19th century, revolutionizing technology in the 1980s.

  • How fast can data be transmitted through underwater cables?

    Up to 160 terabytes per second.

  • What is the process of installing underwater cables?

    Involves meticulous preparation, calculation of length, and burial near the shore.

  • How are remote areas improving connectivity?

    Through plans for new submarine cable connections.

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Summary

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Underwater Cables: Internet's Backbone and History

  • 97% of internet data is transmitted through underwater cables that span the oceans, with satellite technology being used only in isolated areas due to shorter distances covered.
  • These optical fiber cables, as thin as a hair, are coated with seven protective layers and can transmit data at incredibly high speeds, such as 160 terabytes per second between Spain and the United States.
  • The installation of these cables is a meticulous process that can take years, involving preparation on land, calculation of the required length, and burial near the shore to avoid interference.
  • The history of submarine cables dates back to the 19th century, with the first transatlantic cable connecting Ireland and Newfoundland, leading to the modern fiber optic technology revolution in the 1980s.
  • Various regions worldwide are connected by submarine cables, respecting historical trade routes, with plans for new connections like South Africa to Brazil and Chile to improve connectivity in remote areas.
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