5 Essential Things to Know About KMZ File for Telecom Network Planning
Digital mapping plays an important role in managing network systems. Because of this, many companies rely on visual map files to plan and explain their infrastructure. A KMZ file is a compressed map file that helps businesses clearly show network paths, equipment locations, and coverage areas on digital maps. This file type is widely used in telecommunications, where network planning depends on clear and easy-to-read visuals. To better understand why this file format is so useful, it is important to first know what a KMZ file is and how it works. What is a KMZ file? A KMZ file is a compressed version of a KML (Keyhole Markup Language) file. In simple terms, it stores location points, map markers, shapes, and images that can be displayed on a map. The letter “Z” in KMZ means “zipped,” which explains why the file size is smaller. According to Google for Developers, a 10 KB KML file can be reduced to about 1 KB when compressed. This format can include images, custom icons, and even 3D objects within a single package. Because of these features, telecommunications companies often use it to show their fiber routes to customers in a clear and visual way. After understanding what this format is and what it contains, the next step is to know which tools can open and view it. What software opens KMZ files? You can open a KMZ file using map software like Google Earth (desktop or web). You can also use GIS tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS, or web viewers like Equator or KMZView. Here are the main software options for opening a KMZ file: Because a KMZ file works across many devices and tools, it is very practical for telecommunications work. Once you can open and view it, it is helpful to know how to create one for your own network needs. How to create a KMZ file in Google earth There are several steps you can follow to create a KMZ file in Google earth. You can start by: Step 1: Open Google Earth First, launch Google Earth on your computer. Step 2: Add Place Markers Next, click the pin icon to add locations, along with names and short descriptions. Step 3: Draw Fiber Routes Then, use the path tool to draw cable routes by clicking along the map. Step 4: Save as KMZ Format Finally, go to the File menu, choose “Save Place As,” and select the KMZ format. Because of this simple process, network providers often use Google Earth to create map files that show their infrastructure to customers. Making network infrastructure more accessible As network systems expand, geographic map files such as a KMZ file have changed how telecommunications companies work with customers. In particular, visual maps make complex infrastructure easier to understand. Businesses can clearly see where fiber cables are installed and how providers connect to data centers. Because networks are becoming larger and more complex, this type of technology is more important than ever. In this context, dark fiber networks play a key role, allowing companies to rent unused fiber cables to build private networks. Within this growing market, ARNet provides dark fiber solutions across Southeast Asia. The company operates an all-fiber network that stretches over 10,000 km. ARNet supports hyperscalers and major businesses across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its infrastructure includes metro fiber, long-distance routes, and last-mile connections. Choosing the right dark fiber provider requires careful consideration. In this case, ARNet stands out as the only single-entity provider in the region that controls all required licenses. The company builds and manages its own network, with coverage that can be reviewed through a KMZ file. To ensure reliability, ARNet commits to more than 99.99% uptime, supported by real-time monitoring systems. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
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