Understanding Submarine Cable Map and Dark Fiber Infrastructure for Global Connectivity
The internet around the world runs through physical cables placed under the ocean. These submarine cables carry more than 95% of global data between countries. According to Grand View Research, the submarine cable market reached USD 31.70 billion in 2024. This market keeps growing because more people need fast and stable internet. A submarine cable map shows where these cables connect countries and continents. Dark fiber works together with submarine cables to support strong network systems. Dark fiber means unused fiber optic cables that companies can rent or own for their own networks. Many businesses use a submarine cable map to see where cables land and plan their connections. Because of this, understanding how submarine cables and dark fiber work together helps companies choose the right internet setup. How deep are submarine cables buried? Submarine cables are buried at different depths based on where they are located. A submarine cable map typically shows the routes of these cables across the ocean floor. In shallow waters near the coast, crews bury cables 1 meter deep into the ocean floor. This protects them from ship anchors and fishing nets. According to KIS-ORCA, special underwater plows dig narrow trenches to bury the cables. However, deep ocean areas do not need cable burial. Instead, cables in deep water just sit on the ocean floor. This is because fewer ships and fishing boats go to those deep areas. Looking at any submarine cable map, you can see that cables crossing deep ocean trenches sit at depths over 8,000 feet below sea level. Meanwhile, companies use water jets and underwater robots to bury cables in areas up to 2,000 meters deep. What happens when undersea internet cables are cut? Damaged submarine cables quickly stop internet services. Countries lose their internet connection until workers fix the cables. A submarine cable map helps network operators see which cables are affected and plan alternate routes during outages. For example, Internet Society reported that in March 2024, four cables were damaged off the coast of West Africa. This affected many countries at the same time. Fixing broken cables needs special ships and trained workers. First, workers pull the broken cable from the ocean floor onto the repair ship. Then, they connect new cable pieces to fix the break. Most simple repairs take 5 to 15 days. However, harder repairs in dangerous areas can take many months. For instance, Recorded Future found that cable breaks in the Red Sea in February 2024 took almost five months to fix. This was because of permit delays and safety concerns in that region. Why do we need undersea cables with satellites available? There are many reasons why submarine cables are still very important today: Satellites are still useful in places where cables cannot reach. Remote islands and far areas often use satellites because it is hard to install cables there. But according to TeleGeography, satellites carry less than 0.37% of the world’s data. Most busy coastal areas use submarine cables instead. MarketsandMarkets also says the submarine cable market reached USD 18.2 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow to USD 29.7 billion by 2029. Big companies like Google and Meta continue to build new submarine cables. Today, there are 559 active submarine cable systems around the world. Building reliable network infrastructure Submarine cables are the main foundation of global internet connectivity. Businesses need reliable fiber infrastructure to send and receive their data. Dark fiber solutions give dedicated bandwidth without sharing with other users. This means companies can grow their network speed as they need more data capacity. Companies can check the submarine cable map to see how their location connects to global networks. ARNet provides dark fiber solutions that connect businesses to important network infrastructure. Our dark fiber services let companies control their own network capacity and speed. ARNet’s infrastructure links to major submarine cable landing stations and data centers across the region. We help businesses understand the submarine cable map and connect to the right landing points for their needs. If your business needs connections between countries in Southeast Asia using sea cables, ARNet can help. We help businesses understand the submarine cable map and connect to the right landing points for their needs. Choose ARNet because we offer dedicated fiber solutions with guaranteed bandwidth and low delay times. Our network infrastructure helps businesses that need secure and reliable internet for their work. ARNet’s dark fiber services remove the speed limits that shared networks create. This gives your company the performance needed for applications that use lots of data. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
5 Simple Strategies to Set Up Dark Fiber Connectivity the Right Way (Beginner’s Guide)
The internet uses physical cables placed underground or on poles to move data between cities and countries. These cables help data centers keep websites, apps, and business systems working every day. When too many users share the same connection, the internet can become slow or unstable. This pushes companies to look for better dark fiber connectivity. To fix this issue, many businesses choose dark fiber, which means using private fiber cables instead of shared ones. With dark fiber, companies control their own speed, equipment, and access. This makes the network more stable and improves dark fiber connectivity, even for people who are new to this industry. Why is there so much dark fiber? There is a lot of dark fiber because companies built too many internet cables in the past, especially during the 1990s tech boom. At that time, it was cheaper to add extra cables while digging than to install new ones later. Today, however, new technologies like AI, cloud services, and 5G need much faster internet. As a result, businesses can use these unused cables to get private and fast connections when they need them. Does rain affect fiber internet? No, rain does not slow down fiber internet or overall dark fiber connectivity. It is because the cables use tiny flashes of light to send information, not electricity. Light travels through glass, and water can’t stop light signals the way it interferes with electric wires. However, big storms can knock down poles or break the pipes protecting the cables. That’s why building things correctly from the start is so important. It helps keep your internet working even during bad weather. Now let’s look at five simple strategies anyone can follow to set up dark fiber the right way. Strategy 1: Build two different paths Always have two separate cables going to the same place using completely different streets or paths. If a construction worker accidentally cuts one cable, your internet keeps working using the second cable, ensuring reliable dark fiber connectivity. Choose routes that never cross the same areas, document both locations with GPS, test each independently, and have a switching plan ready for emergencies. Strategy 2: Use bigger pipes than you need Cables go inside protective pipes underground, so always use pipes bigger than what you need right now. In five years you might need more cables for dark fiber connectivity, and big pipes let you add them without expensive digging. Use pipes that hold twice your current capacity, add extra empty pipes nearby, use quality plastic tubes inside for protection, and create access points every 500 feet. Strategy 3: Research the market and demand Before spending money on dark fiber, research how much internet capacity people need in your area because data centers need more speed every year. According to Grand View Research, the fiber optics industry is growing fast worldwide. Check how many data centers operate nearby, whether new businesses are moving in, what speeds companies need now versus later, and what competitors offer. Strategy 4: Test everything before going live Before customers start using your cables, test them thoroughly to find problems because a tiny crack or bend can cause outages later. Use special light-testing tools to check for breaks, measure signal strength from start to finish, test backup cables separately to ensure independence, save all results for future comparisons, and double-check connection points at both ends before launch. Finding issues early saves money on emergency repairs. Strategy 5: Keep great records Write down and map everything about your dark fiber connectivity in detail because when something breaks at 2 AM, your repair team needs to quickly find the problem. Create detailed maps showing where every cable is buried, label all equipment clearly, take photos of connection points, update records immediately after maintenance work, and share cable maps with the city so construction crews don’t accidentally dig them up. Good records mean faster fixes. Building private network infrastructure that lasts Building a private network takes more than just laying cable. You need to pay attention to physical details and plan for the long term. When you focus on diverse routes and thorough testing, you reduce tangible risks and keep service stable for your customers. These five dark fiber connectivity strategies will help your infrastructure stay dependable for decades. The right partner can make all the difference with complex infrastructure challenges. ARNet works with operators to navigate construction and implementation. We bring hands-on expertise and proven industry experience for dark fiber connectivity. If you’re ready to secure your network foundation, visit our website and let’s get started. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Why Choose Optical Cable? 5 Key Advantages Over Traditional Copper
Optical cable technology is now commonly used in dark fiber networks. It replaces copper cables in systems that need more control and their own network space. As data use continues to grow, dark fiber lets organizations own or rent unused fiber lines. This makes it easier to build networks that can be turned on and expanded when needed. This wider use shows why dark fiber is seen as a long-term network choice, not just a basic connection. With faster speeds, fewer signal problems, and easy expansion, optical cable technology supports new systems and future growth. You can understand these benefits more easily by looking at how real networks use dark fiber. What is an optical cable used for? An optical cable is the main line used in dark fiber networks. In general, it lets companies use their own fiber lines without using the provider’s equipment. At the same time, in telecom networks, dark fiber helps send data over long distances. Because of this, companies can turn the network on when needed and also add more capacity as traffic grows. In many cases, in data centers and business networks, dark fiber connects buildings and systems with direct and fast links. As a result, this helps companies control their network speed, data use, and security. In addition, it supports cloud access, data backup, and data sharing without relying on crowded shared networks. For this reason, for internet service providers and large companies, optical cable is the base of dark fiber backbone networks. Overall, these networks provide fast and flexible connections. Not only do they support more online services, but they also connect different areas and prepare for future needs, which makes dark fiber a good choice for stable performance and long-term growth. Key advantages of optical cable As digital work grows, networks must be fast and stable. Optical cable is a common choice because it fixes many issues in older networks. It helps businesses run daily tasks and handle more data as they grow. Speed is not the only need. Businesses also want networks that work well, stay safe, and are easy to expand. Optical cable gives steady connections, better safety, and simple growth, which is why many companies use it today. 1. Faster data transmission speeds Fiber networks send data very fast, close to the speed of light, and can easily handle gigabit speeds. Copper cables are much slower in comparison. Businesses that use large amounts of data see clear benefits from this performance. Speed is often the main reason companies move to newer fiber networks. 2. Better signal quality and reliability Optical cable keeps signals strong over long distances and is not easily affected by interference. Copper cables often face signal loss and outside noise. With more stable connections, businesses can rely on steady network performance. This reliability is very important for daily operations and critical systems. 3. Stronger security Fiber connections are more secure because they do not send out electrical signals that can be tapped. Copper cables are easier to intercept using electronic methods. Data sent through fiber is harder to access without permission. This makes fiber a good choice for organizations that handle sensitive information. 4. Higher bandwidth capacity A single fiber line can carry much more data than a copper cable of the same size. It can also send multiple signals at the same time. This helps networks handle growth without major changes. Choosing fiber makes it easier to support future needs. 5. Long life and better value over time Optical cable is durable and can last for many years with little maintenance. Copper cables wear out faster, especially in tough conditions. While the first cost may be higher, fiber reduces repair and replacement costs over time. This makes it a smart long-term investment for many businesses. Why dark fiber matters for enterprise networks? Dark fiber is important for enterprise networks because it lets companies control their network, security, and future growth using optical cable infrastructure. With this approach, companies own their bandwidth and therefore do not share the network with others. As a result, this helps keep the network simple, stable, and reliable for daily business use. For this reason, ARNet is a good choice for companies that need dark fiber services with a wide optical cable network across Southeast Asia. In addition, its complete support helps companies connect faster and at the same time keep the network running well. To learn more, visit ARNet’s website and plan for future needs with its dark fiber services. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
An Introduction to Dark Fiber: How It Works and Why It Matters
Every second, billions of bits of information move around the world through tiny fiber optic cables that we can’t see. But most businesses don’t think about what powers their internet until something breaks. If you run a data center, manage cloud systems, or work with large amounts of data, you’ve probably faced slow speeds or limits. Many times, your internet provider just can’t give the speed and stability you need. That’s where dark fiber helps. It’s not a new tool, but it’s becoming the main way big companies move their most important data. This way, it gives them their own line, more control, and the freedom to grow without sharing with others. To understand this better, learning about dark fiber is important. What is the dark fiber? Dark fiber is unused optical fiber cable that’s already laid in the ground or installed in infrastructure. It remains unlit because no transmission equipment has been connected to activate it. Because of this, it has no active electronics or signals running through it. As a result, organizations can lease or own these fiber strands and run their own equipment, bandwidth, and network design on top of them. What makes this different is the control it gives you. You install your own equipment at both ends, set your own rules, and decide exactly how to use the capacity. In other words, there’s no middleman throttling your speeds or charging you for extra bandwidth next month. Moreover, you’re not competing with other users for resources. If you need more capacity, you simply upgrade your equipment, not your service plan. For companies dealing with sensitive data or needing guaranteed performance, this level of independence is invaluable. Market growth and statistics The demand for dark fiber is rising fast as companies grow their networks. This rise is mainly because of machine learning, cloud growth, and big data centers. As businesses build systems that handle heavy computer work and real-time data, they need more network capacity. Because of this, private, high-capacity networks are now very important. A report fromData Center Knowledge shows that bandwidth for data center links grew by almost 330% from 2020 to 2024. The growth of AI systems plays a big role in this because training and running models need very large data links.Grand View Research also says the global dark fiber market may reach about 13.45 billion dollars by 2030 as large tech companies and enterprises move from renting bandwidth to owning their own networks to save money and improve performance. Future Market Insights gives similar numbers, estimating the market at 7.0 billion dollars in 2025 and expecting a yearly growth rate of 9.4% through 2035. All of this shows a clear trend: companies are not only buying internet service anymore, they are investing in the physical network paths that keep the digital world running. Why enterprises are making the switch The move to dark fiber isn’t just about getting faster speeds, but it’s also about having more control. Many companies choose this litr fiber because it gives them several clear benefits: Powering southeast asia with ARNet As Southeast Asia’s digital world grows, choosing a dark fiber provider with stable and strong infrastructure is very important. This is whereARNet stands out. ARNet owns and runs an AI-ready, all-fiber network that stretches over 10,000 kilometers across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. ARNet stands out as the only single-entity provider in the region that controls all key licenses and builds its own land and subsea network. Because ARNet plans, builds, and operates everything in-house, it delivers consistent performance, better route options, and full control over network quality. With fast and predictable deployment, clear milestones, and a committed SLA backed by real-time monitoring, ARNet gives businesses a reliable, high-speed foundation built for today’s heavy data and AI workloads. To learn more about ARNet’s network and infrastructure approach, you can visit the ARNet website. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Fiber Optic Cable for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
The modern internet, cloud services, and AI tools all depend on one main thing: the fiber optic cable. These thin glass wires run under the ocean, through cities, and underground. They quietly move almost all the data we use every day. The need for fiber is rising fast. A report from Global Market Insights says the fiber optic cable market was worth about 13 billion dollars in 2024 and may grow to around 34.5 billion dollars by 2034, rising more than 10% each year. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also says global internet traffic will reach about 1.3 zettabytes in 2024. Home internet traffic alone is expected to reach 6 zettabytes, rising from 5.1 in 2023. This huge rise in data use is why fiber, especially dark fiber, has become so important today. What is a fiber optic cable? A fiber optic cable is a type of cable that sends data using light, not electricity. Very thin strands made of glass or plastic lie inside each cable. These strands are called fibers. Each fiber has three main parts: Compared to regular copper wires, fiber optic cable works much better because: Because of these benefits, organizations now commonly use fiber optic cable in big network systems, data centers, undersea internet lines, and 5G networks. This has helped the fiber market grow a lot. Single mode VS Multi mode fiber optic cable Not all fiber optic cables are the same. The two main kinds are single-mode and multi-mode. Each one is made for different distances and jobs. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right cable for your network. Single-mode and multi-mode cables are not built the same. They have different core sizes, can send data over different distances, and handle different amounts of bandwidth. Because of this, one type works better for long-distance links, while the other is better for shorter, local connections. Below are the details for each type: Single-mode fiber Single mode fiber has a very small core, so light travels in almost one straight path. Because of this, it can send data over very long distances, from tens to hundreds of kilometers, and it can handle very high speeds. This makes it the best choice for long distance links, metro areas, and connections between data centers. In 2024, research from Mordor Intelligence said that single mode fiber made up more than 63% of the fiber optic market, showing it is the top choice for large network backbones. Multi-mode fiber Multi mode fiber has a larger core that lets light travel in many paths at the same time. Users primarily deploy it for short-distance links inside buildings and data centers, typically spanning only a few hundred meters. Research from Precedence shows that multi mode fiber was still important in 2024, especially for short links like top of rack and other data center connections. It also held a big share in some parts of the fiber optic market. Dark fiber infrastructure and why it matters Organizations can rent unused fiber optic cables called dark fiber networks and activate them with their own equipment. Instead of buying bandwidth from a provider, they run the network themselves. This gives them more control over speed, routing, and security. They can also upgrade the network easily by changing the optical devices on each end without replacing the cables in the ground. As data use grows from cloud services, video streaming, smart devices, and AI, dark fiber is becoming more popular. It lets companies get fast, low delay connections that can grow as needed. They don’t have to stick to fixed service plans and can increase speed or add more signal channels whenever their needs change. Because of this, dark fiber is now an important resource for city networks, long distance links, and data center connections. It also makes networks stronger and more ready for the future. ARNet supports this dark fiber world by building licensed fiber networks across Southeast Asia. The company has strong experience with fiber systems and data centers. By handling everything from design and quick setup to cloud operations, ARNet helps data centers, businesses, and carriers create stable and future ready connections. This makes ARNet a trusted partner for groups planning or growing their dark fiber networks. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet