submarine communication cables are the backbone of global telecommunications, laying the foundation for instant communication between continents. Beginning in the 1850s, these undersea cables have evolved to meet modern technological demands. The first transatlantic telegraph cable, operational on August 16, 1858, marked the dawn of global connectivity. Today, submarine communication cables continue to advance, playing a crucial role in data transmission across the worldâs oceans.
Structure of Modern Submarine Communication Cables
A modern submarine communication cable is a sophisticated piece of technology. Here’s a breakdown of its structure:
1Â Polyethylene: This outer layer provides mechanical protection.
2 Â Mylar Tape: Adds further insulation and protection.
3 Stranded Steel Wires: Strengthens the cable and protects it against physical stresses.
4 Aluminum Water Barrier: Prevents water ingress.
5 Polycarbonate: Provides another layer of insulation.
6 Copper or Aluminum Tube: Houses the petroleum jelly and optical fibers.
7 Petroleum Jelly: Offers additional protection to the fibers.
8 Optical Fibers: The core component that transmits data using light signals.
These cables ensure the seamless transfer of data across vast distances, contributing to the Internet and other communication networks.
Environmental Impact of Undersea Communication Cables
The placement of submarine communication cables in the benthic zone, where most marine life resides, has raised environmental concerns. However, studies conducted in 2003 and 2006 showed minimal impact on marine ecosystems. Sampling of sediment around cables revealed little difference in organism diversity or abundance compared to areas without cables. Interestingly, cables often provide attachment points for anemones, enhancing local biodiversity.
From 1877 to 1955, there were 16 recorded instances of whales becoming entangled in cables. Modern advancements in cable-laying techniques, particularly with fiber-optic and coaxial cables, have eliminated these risks, making submarine communication cables safer for marine life.
Cable Layer Ships: The Backbone of Undersea Communication Networks
Cable layers, or cable ships, are specialized vessels designed to lay and repair submarine communication cables. There are two primary types:
- Cable Repair Ships: Smaller and more maneuverable, these ships, like the Japanese Tsugaru Maru, are primarily tasked with fixing broken cables.
- Cable-Laying Ships: Larger and less maneuverable, these ships, such as Long Lines, are designed to lay new cables quickly and efficiently. They are equipped with linear cable engines (LCE) and large cable storage drums, allowing for the rapid deployment of cables.
The modern cable ships have evolved from their predecessors, featuring advanced technology that allows for faster and more precise cable installation for developing industry.
Submarine Cable Technology: AC vs. DC
Most submarine cables are designed for alternating current (AC) transmission at medium or high voltages, up to 132kV. However, direct current (DC) cables are also used in certain applications, particularly for long-distance power transmission.
Bangladeshâs Submarine Communication Cables
3rd submarine cable in Bangladesh : Cox’s Bazar
The cable will have core landing stations in Singapore, India, Djibouti, Egypt and France. The Bangladesh branch will stretch to the cable landing station in Cox’s Bazar through the Bay of Bengal. On March 27, 2004, the Government of Bangladesh signed an agreement for the construction and maintenance of submarine cables in Dubai. Through this agreement with South-East-Asia-Middle-East-West Europe-4 (SEA-ME-WE-4) consortium of 16 telecom companies from 14 countries, Bangladesh has entered the super highway of information technology. The Bangladesh section is 1,240 km long in this 22,000 km connection line from Marseille, France to Singapore. Bangladesh joins this network at Cox’s Bazar. The government has to bear the cost of laying optical fiber from Dhaka and Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar for a distance of 170 km. On 21 May 2006, Bangladesh joined the information technology giant through the laying of submarine cable.
Bangladesh can join new submarines by 2021. Bangladesh has joined the new C-ME-6 consortium for its third submarine cable.
The entrepreneurs of this consortium have already been informed officially by letter that Bangladesh is staying in this cable. SEA-ME-WE (SEA-ME-WE) is an abbreviation for Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe.As the cable is laid through this area, each cable is named as such. Such as C-Me-Wee 4, C-Me-Wee 5. The region’s countries in the latest C-ME-5 consortium included Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Djibouti, Egypt, Turkey, Italy, France, Myanmar, Yemen.
These 19 countries are connected to it through 19 landing points. The new CMI-6 consortium will also include countries from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Western Europe.
Now the bandwidth usage in the country has touched one thousand Gbps. At the end of November 2018, the total number of active internet connections in the country stood at 9.18 million. Out of which 86.2 million are connected through mobile phones.
Although there are only 57 lakh 35 thousand in number, most of the internet bandwidth is used through broadband. Apart from this, there are 61,000 WiMAX connections. tech city
Durgam has been connected to the national grid by laying 33 kV (kilovolt) overhead line from Cox’s Bazar’s Matarbari sub-station through river crossing towers, 5 km double circuit 33 KV submarine cable with fiber optic under Kutubdia channel and commissioning of 33/11 KV substation at Kutubdia Island. Island. 3 days ago.
Conclusion
Submarine communication cables are critical to our global communication infrastructure, connecting continents and enabling the rapid exchange of information. As technology advances, these cables will continue to play an essential role in the global digital ecosystem. Understanding their structure, impact, and the role of cable layer ships can help appreciate the intricate network that supports our modern way of life.
Shuva Sarker
Jr. Instructor, Daffodil Polytechnic InstituteÂ
Telecommunication Technology
