# Network Earth (DD-449)

> Submarine communications cables carry the vast majority of international data, the Reel says about 95 percent. Hair-thin optical fibers carry data as light, wrapped in layers of protection; near shore the cables add steel wire armor, while in the deep ocean they can be as thin as a garden hose. Repeaters boost the signal every several dozen kilometers. The footage shows cable being laid from a ship.

- Department: Tech
- First published: 2025-01-06
- Last updated: 2025-01-06
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/network-earth/
- Original Reel title: Network Earth 🌐
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-449-F01**: About 95% of international data, per the Reel. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Share))_
- **DD-449-F02**: Hair-thin glass. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Fibers))_

## Write-up

Nearly all intercontinental internet traffic runs through undersea cables. The fibers inside are as thin as a hair.

1. **Share**: About 95% of international data, per the Reel.
2. **Fibers**: Hair-thin glass.
3. **Light**: Data travels as light.
4. **Armor**: Steel near shore.
5. **Repeaters**: Boost signals.

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Network Earth: Nearly All Intercontinental Internet Traffic Runs Through Undersea Cables

- Duration: 27.8 s · Published: 2025-01-06
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DEfdjH1ptUP.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know, deep sea fiber optic cables are the backbone of global internet and telecommunications. Carrying approximately 95% of international data traffic, these cables, made of hair thin optical fibers, encased in protective layers, are laid along the ocean floor, often spanning thousands of kilometers. The fibers transmit data as light signals, enabling high speed communication across continents. To withstand harsh underwater conditions, the cables are sheathed in multiple protective layers, including steel wire armoring and waterproof coatings.. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: How is data carried?**  
A: Optical. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Share) · Wikipedia: Submarine communications cable)_

**Q: Share of international traffic?**  
A: Most. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Fibers) · Wikipedia: Submarine communications cable)_

**Q: Where is armor heaviest?**  
A: Hazards. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Light) · Wikipedia: Submarine communications cable)_

**Q: What boosts the signal?**  
A: Amplifiers. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Armor) · Wikipedia: Submarine communications cable)_

**Q: How thin are fibers?**  
A: Glass. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Repeaters) · Wikipedia: Submarine communications cable)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Submarine communications cable](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_communications_cable)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Network Earth." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-449, last updated Jan 6, 2025. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/network-earth/