Networks: Sharks and the threat to communications

Published: November 2 2009
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4557b69c-c745-11de-bb6f-00144feab49a,dwp_uuid=4dce8136-4a24-11da-b8b1-0000779e2340.html

In this article by Jessica Twentyman she talks about how most of how communication data is fed through cables at the bottom of the ocean. She talks about how companies rather use subsea cables rather than satellites because they are cheaper in cost. She talks about how cables are damaged by rubbing against rocks, the threat of anchors falling on them and then off course fish bites. She gives information on the life span of those cables being 25 years but with the constant upgrading and demand the life is cut in half to between 10 to 15 years. There are some companies out there who have invested in finding ways to double the capacity of the cables.

Ths article relates to not just this class but to the global empire of internet and communications technology. There have been many instances in other contries like India where internet power has been shut off by damage to underwater cables and whose to say that the same might not happen to us in the US. On a lighter side Trey Parker and Matt Stone Creators of South Park made an episode of what would happen if the internet suddenly stopped working....click here.