Ethernet Cards and Their Role in Submarine Cables: 5 Examples

Fancy Wang 0330 2023

Ethernet cards are essential components of modern computer networking, enabling devices to connect to the internet and share information with other devices. However, their application extends beyond the confines of local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) to include the critical infrastructure of submarine cables, which connect continents and enable global communication.

In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between Ethernet cards and submarine cables and provide five examples to illustrate their important role.

What is an Ethernet Card?

An Ethernet card, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is a hardware component that connects a computer or other device to a network. Ethernet cards are essential components of LANs and WANs, allowing devices to communicate with one another and access the internet. The Ethernet standard specifies the physical and data link layers of the OSI model, and Ethernet cards adhere to this standard to ensure compatibility and interoperability.

What are Submarine Cables?

Submarine cables are fiber-optic cables that run beneath the ocean floor and connect continents and countries. These cables carry a vast amount of global internet traffic, including email, video, and voice communications. Submarine cables are critical infrastructure, and their failure can have a significant impact on global connectivity.

Relationship between Ethernet Cards and Submarine Cables

Ethernet cards play a critical role in the operation of submarine cables. The transmission of data across these cables requires the use of Ethernet frames, which encapsulate data packets and enable them to be transmitted across the network. Ethernet cards are used at both ends of the cable to transmit and receive data, ensuring that information is transmitted accurately and efficiently.

Example 1: TE SubCom SL17

The TE SubCom SL17 is a high-capacity submarine cable that uses Ethernet technology to enable the transmission of up to 24 terabits of data per second. This cable connects the United States and Europe and is used by internet service providers (ISPs) and content providers to meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity.

Example 2: Southern Cross NEXT

The Southern Cross NEXT is a submarine cable system that will connect Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands to the United States. This cable uses Ethernet technology to provide up to 72 terabits of data transmission capacity, enabling high-speed connectivity to these remote regions.

Example 3: Seabras-1

The Seabras-1 is a submarine cable system that connects Brazil and the United States. This cable uses Ethernet technology to provide up to 72 terabits of data transmission capacity, enabling high-speed connectivity between the two countries.

Example 4: MAREA

MAREA is a high-capacity submarine cable that connects the United States and Europe. This cable is jointly owned by Microsoft and Facebook and uses Ethernet technology to provide up to 160 terabits of data transmission capacity, enabling these companies to meet the growing demand for cloud-based services.

Example 5: HAVFRUE

The HAVFRUE is a submarine cable that connects the United States, Denmark, and Ireland. This cable uses Ethernet technology to provide up to 108 terabits of data transmission capacity, enabling high-speed connectivity between these regions.

FAQs:

Q: How do Ethernet cards work with submarine cables?

A: Ethernet cards are used at both ends of a submarine cable to transmit and receive data. The data is encapsulated into Ethernet frames, which are transmitted across the cable.

Q: What is the capacity of submarine cables?

A: The capacity of submarine cables varies depending on the cable's specifications, but modern submarine cables can provide hundreds of terabits of data transmission capacity.

Q: What is the importance of submarine cables?

A: Submarine cables are critical infrastructure that enables global connectivity, including internet access, voice communications, and other data transmissions. Without submarine cables, the world would be much less connected, and communication across long distances would be much more difficult and expensive.

Q: How are submarine cables maintained?

A: Submarine cables require regular maintenance to ensure their proper operation. Maintenance activities include repairs, upgrades, and the installation of new equipment. Maintenance crews use specially equipped ships to access the cables and perform these activities.

Q: Are submarine cables vulnerable to damage?

A: Submarine cables are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including natural disasters, human activity, and equipment failure. Damage to a submarine cable can result in disruption of connectivity and require costly repairs.

In conclusion, Ethernet cards are essential components of modern computer networking, enabling devices to connect to the internet and share information with other devices. Their application extends beyond local and wide area networks to include the critical infrastructure of submarine cables, which connect continents and enable global communication. The five examples provided in this blog illustrate the important role of Ethernet technology in submarine cable systems and highlight the growing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity across the world.

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