Technology in Undersea Cable Systems: 50 Years of Progress

Abstract

AbstractUndersea cable systems provide a comprehensive example of how technology has changed during the 50-year publication history of the MTS Journal. From the 125-μm‐diameter glass optical fiber to the 12,000-ton cable ships, the design, manufacture, and installation of undersea communication systems rely on a remarkable intersection of technologies. The technologies supporting this industry have progressed significantly in many aspects. In 1965, coaxial analog systems were transmitting 128 three-kilohertz channels that were amplified by vacuum-tube-based amplifiers for consortiums of national telephone companies over simple point-to-point links. Today, a fiber-optic cable transmits 10 million times as much traffic, that is, tens of terabits of information per second, amplified by reliable erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, as part of mesh networks serving datacom, offshore oil and gas facilities, and scientific applications, each under a variety of ownership and operational models. Installation technology has changed along with the transmission technology, with advances in cable route surveys, ship positioning, cable burial, and use of remotely operated vehicles. System maintenance has become a much more practical endeavor since the advent of universal joint technologies and methodologies. Wet-mateable fiber-optic connectors enable remote, modular, subsea connection scenarios that serve a variety of applications. This paper reviews some of the history and evolution of the technology used in undersea cable systems and addresses future industry trends.