The Apollo Cable System is a vital part of our global infrastructure, connecting the world through a network of underwater cables.
It spans over 400,000 kilometers, providing a reliable and high-speed connection between continents.
This extensive network is a testament to human ingenuity and our need for faster and more efficient communication.
The Apollo Cable System plays a crucial role in supporting global internet traffic, with a significant portion of international data transmission relying on it.
Discover more: Important Facts about Apollo
Importance of Submarines
Submarine cables are highly valued and respected, not just by corporations, but also by national governments and military. They're a crucial part of our global communication infrastructure.
The dependability of submarine cables remains high, thanks to multiple paths being available in case one cable is broken. A fusion Apollo review praised their reliability and security.
Submarine cables offer a much higher carrying capacity than satellites, with terabits per second compared to satellites' 1,000 megabits per second. This is a significant advantage for data-intensive applications.
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A typical multi-terabit, transoceanic submarine cable system can cost several hundred million dollars to construct. However, the benefits they provide make them a worthwhile investment.
The Southern Cross cables, for example, are designed to carry 72 terabits per second of traffic and comprise 16,148km of cable. Here are some key statistics about the Southern Cross cables:
- 3 fibre pairs between Sydney and Hawaii
- 4 fibre pairs between Hawaii and the US West Coast
Submarines' Importance to Australia
Australia's island nation status makes it heavily dependent on submarine cables, which carry most of its voice and data traffic in and out of the country.
The Australian government considers its submarine cable systems to be "critical to the Australian economy", which is why they've implemented a tough cable protection regime.
Submarine cables are protected through three protection zones, which span 3.7 km in width and extend to a depth of 2000 meters.
Criminal penalties apply for damaging these cables, with fines of up to AU$66,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations, as well as 10 years in prison.
The Telecommunications and other Legislation Amendment (Protection of Submarine Cables and other Measures) Act 2005 ensures that any projects wanting to install new submarine cables need permission from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
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Infrastructure and Connectivity
The Apollo cable system is a remarkable feat of modern engineering, boasting an impressive capacity of 6.4 TeraBits per second. This was made possible by its initial design capacity of 4 fibre pairs and 3.2 TeraBits per second on both Apollo North and Apollo South.
The system's high capacity is a testament to the advancements in technology, with the development of 40, 100, 200, and 400Gbps Ethernet becoming the new standard for high-speed backbones. This shift in technology has made TeraBits per second the norm for future systems.
The Apollo cable network is built, owned, and operated by Apollo Submarine Cable System Limited, a UK-based company now owned by Vodafone. This company was jointly owned by Cable & Wireless Worldwide and Alcatel-Lucent.
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North and South
The Apollo cable system is a remarkable example of modern infrastructure, with its North and South sections providing a total of 6.4 TeraBits per second trans-Atlantic capacity.
This was achieved through the use of 4 fibre pairs and 3.2 TeraBits per second capacity on each of the Apollo North and Apollo South sections.
The initial design capacity of the Apollo cable system was a game-changer, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in terms of high-speed data transfer.
The Apollo cable network was built and is owned by Apollo Submarine Cable System Limited, a UK-based company that was jointly owned by Cable & Wireless Worldwide and Alcatel-Lucent, and is now owned by Vodafone.
The Apollo technology has earned a reputation for having the highest capacity of any Atlantic system and an unparalleled track record of reliability.
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What Does It Look Like?
A typical submarine communications cable is a cable laid on the ocean bed in between land-based stations. This type of cable enables telecommunication signals to be carried across stretches of ocean and sea.
The cross section of a submarine cable looks like a complex arrangement of wires and fibers.
Founded in 1997, the Apollo cable is owned by Spark (NZ), Singtel Investments (Singapore), Telstra (AU), and Verizon Business (USA).
Landing Points
The landing points of subsea cables are crucial for connecting different parts of the world.
The main companies operating the cables are responsible for ensuring the cables are safely landed and connected to the existing infrastructure.
These companies have the expertise and resources to handle the complex process of landing a subsea cable.
The cables are typically landed in coastal areas where the seafloor is relatively flat and stable, making it easier to deploy and connect the cable.
The landing points are often equipped with specialized equipment to protect the cable from damage and ensure a secure connection.
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The Data Centre Dilemma: AI, Energy, and Infrastructure
Data centres are a crucial part of the digital infrastructure, housing the servers that store and process vast amounts of data. They consume a significant amount of energy, with some data centres using as much electricity as a small town.
The average data centre uses around 100-200 watts of power per square foot, which translates to a significant energy bill. For instance, a typical data centre might use around 10-20 megawatts of power, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of 10,000 to 20,000 homes.
As AI adoption continues to grow, the demand for data storage and processing is increasing exponentially. This surge in demand is putting a strain on the existing data centre infrastructure, with many centres struggling to keep up with the growth in data storage needs.
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Australia and the Cable System
Australia's cable system is a critical component of its economy, with the government considering submarine cables to be "critical to the Australian economy". The country's island nation status makes it highly dependent on these cables, which carry most of its voice and data traffic.
Approximately 30,500 km in length, the Apollo cable system is a significant part of this infrastructure. The network has 28,900 km of submarine and 1,600 km of terrestrial fibre optic cables, all operating in a triple-ring configuration.
The Australian government has implemented a tough cable protection regime to defend its submarine cable systems. This includes protection zones that restrict activities that could potentially damage cables linking Australia to the rest of the world.
These protection zones typically span 3.7 km in width and extend to a depth of 2000 meters. Criminal penalties apply of up to AU$66,000.00 for individuals or $330,000 for corporations, with the possibility of 10 years in prison.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulates any projects wanting to install new submarine cables, requiring permission before they can proceed.
Colt's Role
Colt's Role was a significant one in the development and operation of the Apollo cable system.
Colt was responsible for laying the initial 1,300 km of the transatlantic cable in 1866.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apollo cable?
Apollo is a 13,000 km transatlantic submarine cable system, consisting of two diverse paths: Apollo North connecting the UK and US, and Apollo South connecting France and US. This high-speed network provides reliable and secure data transmission across the Atlantic.
How long can undersea cables last?
Undersea cables have a lifespan of several decades and are regularly replaced every few decades. Their durability has been proven over 150 years of use.
How long is the Apollo cable?
The Apollo cable system spans approximately 13,000 km across the Atlantic Ocean. It's one of the longest undersea cables in the world, connecting the UK, France, and the US.
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