How does data move from one part of the internet to other parts of it? How do I access websites in Europe in under a second from my apartment in the US? I used to think it was just done wirelessly via satellites but moving that much data at high speeds requires a lot more than some sort of satellite uplink.
It turns out that there are actually a bunch of cables that run on the bottom of the ocean's floors to connect all of us around the world so we can send data between continents. What's even more fascinating is that they have been running underwater cables since before 1858 when they sent the first transatlantic telegraph.
This gif shows the underwater cables that connect all of us around the world.
These videos are also a great educational resource for learning how it all works with some good visual aid as well as a view inside of the ships that lay the cable on the ocean floor.
If you want a more in-depth understanding of what the ships look like and how the cables are spooled in the hull of a massive ship, this video provides a great explanation with visual aids.
I wrote a poem once about this concept. Being a vulnerable nerd now to share it. Don't actually read this though
If this was 1822 I’d call across green seas for you, moaning my love in a solemn, dark, torrential note, like the light of the moon was curated by you.
It is 2020, regretfully. I could call across cell towers or the inky black cords bridging the world at the depths of the ocean because I think that’s the internet.
In the night every night you won’t hear it but they’re calling, probably transmitting blurry photos of a moon to an admirer by way of the highway of heavy machinery settled in the deep.
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IMO, low orbit satellite relays should be the standard. We need more Elons..lol (or just more satellites)
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I think there should be a lot more mesh networks that relay data between local ground structures with some reliance on fiber optic, satellites, and balloons.
These would make local communication much more resilient and resistant to centralized control.
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Ya, that's fine on land and in crowded areas (US, EU), but places like Australia or South America or Siberia :-) where you have less people and structures but still need some comms, I think sat coms is the only way... methinks
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Yes.
For rural applications, a satellite is the only way.
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Fascinating!
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21 sats \ 1 reply \ @j7hB75 13 Nov
That was actually pretty cool. Thanks for sharing!
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Of course. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Very very cool
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I agree. When I first heard that the internet is physical cables that run across the entire ocean floor, I didn't believe it.
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Wire are too long I didn't know
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Massive wires in massive boats.
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Thank you very much, a question that was bothering me
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Glad I could help.
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