4 Steps to Build a Cloud Data Center That Supports Businesses
The digital world keeps growing. Because of this growth, more business work moves online. As a result, companies depend more on digital systems. These systems store data and support daily work. Due to this heavy use, technology systems face higher demand. For this reason, a cloud data center becomes a key support system. A cloud data center provides computing power and storage. With this insight from Precedence Research, applications can run without disruption. As digital platforms expand, reliance on this infrastructure increases. Because of this reliance, demand continues to rise. Market data supports this pattern. Precedence Research reports a global value of USD 29.34 billion in 2024 and a possible rise to USD 75.40 billion by 2034. This steady growth explains the need for a clear understanding of this infrastructure. What is a cloud data center? A cloud data center is like a real building. Inside this building, the system stores data and runs cloud services. It has servers, storage, and network equipment. Each part has its own job. Because all the parts work together, services can reach users through the internet. Many users use cloud services at the same time. To make this possible, virtualization is used. This means one server can run many virtual systems. Each virtual system serves one user. Because of this, data stays separate, so security and organization stay strong. How a cloud data center works? A cloud data center works with hardware and software. At the bottom, hardware makes the main layer. This includes servers, storage devices, network cables, cooling systems, and backup power. On top of that, software runs. With this software, virtual machines are made. Because of this, these machines work like separate computers. Users connect to the services through the internet. At the same time, workloads are shared across many servers. This way, the system does not get too busy. Data is also stored in many places. So, the chance of losing data is lower. Also, management software watches what is happening and changes workloads depending on how much capacity is free. How to build a cloud data center? Building a cloud data center starts with a clear system plan. This clear plan helps teams understand what needs to be built. It also reduces confusion during the process. Strong planning is important at this stage. Several key areas need attention. These areas are linked to each other. Each area supports system growth and long term stability. Because of this, the planning stage needs a clear structure. The sections below explain the main focus areas for 2026. 1. Defining goals Clear goals guide the project and help decide services, users, computing power, and storage. For example, Fortune Business Insights reported strong cloud usage in IT and Telecom in 2024. 2. Securing large power capacity After setting goals, a cloud data center needs steady electricity for servers and cooling. Organizations work with local power providers to ensure enough power. 3. Designing for efficiency With power ready, efficient design saves energy and money. Proper airflow, server placement, and modern cooling keep machines safe and use less power. 4. Ensuring disaster recovery Finally, disaster recovery protects services and data. Backup power and storing data in multiple locations reduce risks and keep businesses running. Supporting digital growth with strong connectivity Once the network is built, it keeps everything running smoothly. As a result, it allows data to move quickly without delays, which is very important for big cloud companies. To achieve this, the network must be strong and reliable. ARNet meets this need by providing dark fiber services in Southeast Asia. In fact, our network stretches over 10,000 km, connecting Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Moreover, it links more than 60 data centers through long routes, city networks, and direct connections, ensuring data moves fast and safely across the region. For long-term reliability, it is better to choose experienced network providers. That is why ARNet offers high-capacity fiber with more than 99.99% uptime. Additionally, our team continuously monitors the system to keep it dependable. Consequently, hyperscalers and major players can run their services safely throughout Southeast Asia. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
IoT Connectivity Guide: 4 Types Every Business Should Understand
The world is getting more connected every day. These connected devices help people work more easily and live better. IoT connectivity connects devices to the internet and to each other. Connected devices can share information and work on their own. People and companies use these devices every day. The State of IoT 2024 report says there were about 18.8 billion IoT devices connected around the world by the end of 2024. This number keeps going up as more industries use smart devices. Knowing the types of IoT connections helps businesses choose what works best for them. What is IoT connectivity? IoT connectivity is a way to connect smart devices to a network and the internet. With this connection, devices can send and receive data by themselves. Because of this, they do not need people to control them all the time. Usually, the connection uses Wi-Fi, mobile networks, or fiber optic cables. This is why IoT connectivity is important for smart systems. In a smart factory, machines and sensors are connected to a control system. Then, they share real-time data about work progress, product quality, and machine condition. This helps companies watch their operations and make quicker decisions. For IoT to work well, a strong and reliable network is needed. Here, fiber optic networks give fast and stable connections. As more devices are added, fiber networks become important to send large amounts of data to data centers. The 4 types of IoT The IoT market has different categories based on how and where the technology is used. Each type serves specific industries and purposes. Understanding IoT connectivity is important for all these types because it decides how well devices and systems work together. Here are the four main types: Consumer IoT (CIoT) People at home or in their daily life are mostly using this IoT type using smart devices. These devices connect to the internet. Examples include smart speakers, fitness trackers, smart thermostats, and security cameras. Thus, Transforma insights shows that this type makes up about 60% of all IoT devices. Commercial IoT Many businesses are using this IoT. For example, stores use connected systems to track products. In addition, hotels use smart systems to control room temperature and lighting. At the same time, restaurants use sensors to monitor food storage. As a result, these technologies help businesses work more efficiently and reduce costs. Industrial IoT (IIoT) Many factories and warehouses are using this IoT type. In many cases, machines are connected to watch performance and find problems early. As a result, it helps reduce breakdowns and improve product quality. Because of these benefits, the update from IoT analytics shows that the use of this technology is growing fast. Infrastructure IoT Infrastructure IoT uses simple smart devices to help cities run better. In everyday operations, these devices connect to the internet and share data. For example, power systems use them to check electricity and find problems early. At the same time, water systems use sensors to detect leaks and reduce water waste. Meanwhile, traffic systems rely on smart lights and sensors to keep traffic moving smoothly. Because of this, all of these systems need a stable internet connection. As a result, cities work better and life becomes easier for people. Moving forward with smart connectivity IoT connectivity is growing very fast as more devices connect every day. As a result, businesses need strong and dependable networks. In practice, IoT systems rely on connections that are both fast and stable. In this context, dark fiber plays a key role by delivering high-speed and reliable connectivity for large-scale IoT networks. To support this demand, ARNet provides dark fiber infrastructure across Southeast Asia. Today, we operate more than 10,000 kilometers of fiber across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Through this footprint, our network connects over 60 data centers and supports major technology companies and hyperscalers. At the same time, owning and managing our own network enables faster deployment and consistent service quality. With continuous monitoring, we deliver over 99.99% uptime. This makes it easier for your business to adopt, scale, and future-proof IoT deployments. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Data Center Infrastructure: 3 Essential Components You Need to Know
Businesses use digital services every day. These services help them work and serve customers. They also need systems to store data and run applications. These systems must work all the time. Because of this, data center infrastructure is very important. It helps keep systems running and data safe and available. When businesses understand data center infrastructure, they can choose better technology. This article explains the basic parts that help a data center work well. What is data center infrastructure? Data center infrastructure is all the tools and systems used to run a data facility. In simple words, it includes what is needed to store, process, and protect data. These facilities support technology that businesses use every day. Because of this, they need careful planning. This is because the systems must run all the time without stopping. When a system goes down, companies can lose money. In 2024, a report by the Ponemon Institute showed that downtime cost about $9,000 per minute. For this reason, reliability is very important. What are the three main components of a data center infrastructure The three main parts of data center infrastructure are network infrastructure, storage infrastructure, and computing resources. Together, they help the data center run smoothly. Each part has a specific job. At the same time, they must work together to support business operations. 1. Network infrastructure Network infrastructure helps systems talk to each other. It uses routers, switches, cables, and firewalls to send data fast and safely. Without it, systems cannot share data and apps cannot work well. 2. Storage infrastructure Storage infrastructure keeps data safe and easy to access. It uses tools like hard drives, SSDs, networks, and backup systems. The same data is saved in more than one place, so it is still available if one system fails. It also works with data centers to make sure data is always ready. 3. Computing resources Computing resources help computers work and run programs. They include servers and processors. More power and virtualization let computers do tasks faster, run more programs, and stay reliable. Building tomorrow’s digital foundation As data center infrastructure grows, dark fiber becomes more important. Dark fiber is fiber optic cable that is not used until a company turns it on. When a company uses it, they control how data moves on the network. This helps businesses add more bandwidth when needed. Dark fiber also gives flexibility and security. Companies can manage capacity, keep data private, and upgrade equipment without changing the fiber. This makes it easy to expand networks. Based on research from Mordor Intelligence, the demand for dark fiber is growing in Southeast Asia. Its market in Asia Pacific may grow 12.5% each year until 2029. ARNet provides dark fiber for modern digital infrastructure. We help large businesses and hyperscalers in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Our services include long haul fiber, metro fiber, and last mile fiber. These connections link facilities to key network exchange points. Our networks give low latency and high bandwidth, which are very important for data centers. Businesses choose ARNet because we build strong fiber networks. We work with clients to make solutions that help them grow. ARNet dark fiber gives companies a flexible and scalable network for long-term success. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
What Is a Static IP Address? 3 Important Facts Explained
Today, businesses depend on the internet to work well. Because of this, companies must make many network choices. They choose speed, security, and connection type. One important choice is the type of IP address. In many cases, businesses choose a static IP address. This choice affects daily work. It affects servers and remote access. Because of that, it is important to understand static IP addresses. By learning this, you can improve network performance. At the same time, you can avoid extra costs. As a result, your business can use the internet more effectively. What is a Static IP Address? A static IP address is a fixed number given to a device on a network. Your internet service provider sets this number and keeps it the same. As a result, the address does not change, even when the device connects or disconnects many times. For example, web servers use static IP addresses so users can always find the website in the same place. In the same way, email services use them to keep a good sender reputation and improve email delivery. Also, remote desktop tools connect faster because the address is always known. According to a 2024 Cisco report, the number of devices online keeps growing. Because of this, this IP makes it easier to manage important networks. What is the Difference Between a Static IP Address and a Fixed IP Address? A static IP address and a fixed IP address mean the same thing. In fact, there is no difference between them. Both terms describe an IP address that never changes. Here are the key points: These terms are only different words. However, the real difference is between static and dynamic IP addresses. Dynamic IP addresses change often. They change each time a device connects. In contrast, static IP addresses stay the same. You can use both terms for the same purpose. How to Get a Static IP Address? There are several ways to get a static IP address. You need to choose the best option for your needs. Below are common methods: Each option has a different cost. For example, business plans offer better stability. On the other hand, local setup works well for private networks. Therefore, you should choose based on your business needs. Conclusion Static IP addresses give devices a stable identity. Because of this, servers stay easy to reach. Also, remote connections work faster. As a result, online services stay reliable. In the long run, this helps businesses operate smoothly. However, static IP addresses need a strong network to work well. If the network is weak, performance will drop. Because of that, the base infrastructure is very important. Dark fiber networks provide this strong foundation. They use dedicated fiber cables. This allows fast and stable data flow. As a result, it can be performed at their best. ARNet provides dark fiber solutions across Southeast Asia. The company supports hyperscalers and major industry players in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. In particular, ARNet builds and maintains physical fiber networks. These networks connect data centers, cloud platforms, and large enterprises. In addition, the infrastructure supports very high bandwidth needs. Therefore, ARNet helps hyperscalers and leading companies run critical systems with speed, stability, and reliability across the region. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Understanding Local IP Addresses in Your Network Infrastructure
Every device you connect to your home or office network needs an address. In fact, this address works similar to a house address in your neighborhood. Specifically, it helps devices find each other and share information. To accomplish this, your router assigns a local IP address to identify each device properly. More specifically, a special number gets assigned to each device by your router. As a result, this number helps your router know which device is which. When you understand these addresses, you can manage your network better and fix problems faster. What is my local IP address? Your local IP address is a private number that belongs only to your device inside your network. For example, this number usually starts with 192.168, 10.0, or 172.16. Your router gives this number to your device so it can send the right information to you. To find it, you can see this address by looking at your device settings or using simple commands on your computer. However, this address is different from your public IP address. In contrast, your public IP address shows your whole network to the internet. How do I set my local IP? You can set your local IP address in two ways. The automatic method works simply: your router gives out addresses to all your devices by itself. On the other hand, the manual method allows you to choose the address yourself. To pick your own address, open your network settings on your device. From there, look for the option that says static or manual IP. Once you find it, type in the address you want to use. In addition, make sure your address fits with your router’s number range. Also, check that no other device uses the same address. Does everyone in a house have the same IP? No, each device gets its own local IP address. For instance, your phone, computer, tablet, and TV all have different numbers. However, all your devices share one public IP address for the internet. To manage this, your router remembers which device asked for which information. Then it sends the correct information to each device using their unique address. Key benefits of understanding local IP addresses Knowing about these addresses brings many practical benefits to your daily network use. Here are the main advantages you get: Conclusion More people and businesses need better network connections now. According to Grand View Research, the dark fiber network market was worth 6.90 billion dollars in 2025. This number will grow to 21.88 billion dollars by 2033. This growth shows that people want faster and safer internet connections. Both homes and businesses need strong network systems. Every device needs proper local IP address setup to work correctly. Learning about these addresses helps you take care of your network better. You can quickly fix connection problems, strengthen your network security, and organize all your devices in a clear way. Businesses that want to build strong networks need good connectivity solutions. ARNet offers dark fiber solutions that create the base for reliable networks. Dark fiber gives businesses full control over their connections. It provides the speed and growth space needed for modern business needs. The company provides dedicated fiber optic lines that give you better performance, stronger security, and unlimited speed options. ARNet is the right choice for your network infrastructure needs. With ARNet’s dark fiber solutions, your business gets complete control over your network setup. You can adjust your infrastructure based on what you need. This control extends to managing every aspect of your connectivity, including how you assign and organize your local IP address structure. Choosing quality dark fiber infrastructure today keeps your network strong for many years ahead. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Understanding Network Connectivity in Dark Fiber Infrastructure
Network connectivity is how computers and devices connect to share information. For example, a global telecom organization reports that 68% of people around the world (5.5 billion people) use the internet in 2024. This shows how important good connections are for businesses and people today. Companies need fast and reliable ways to connect their systems. That’s where dark fiber networks come in. Dark fiber networks give businesses their own private fiber cables. This helps them control their connection speed and quality. Therefore, learning about network connectivity helps businesses pick the right setup for their needs. What is the meaning of network connectivity? Network connectivity means devices can connect and talk to each other through a network. This lets information move from one place to another. You use network connectivity when you browse websites, send emails, make video calls, or access files stored online. Good network connectivity means your data moves fast and arrives safely. How well your network works depends on a few things. These include how much data can travel at once, how fast it travels, and how reliable your cables and equipment are. For this reason, businesses need steady connections to keep their work running smoothly. They use these connections every day for customer service, storing data, and running their operations. What are the different types of network connectivity? Network connectivity comes in two main types. These are physical connections and wireless connections. Each type serves different needs depending on speed, stability, and use case. Below is the explanation of each type. Physical connections Physical connections use actual cables to link devices together. These cables can be made of copper wire or special glass fibers. Specifically, fiber optic cables send information as light signals through thin glass threads. As a result, these cables can carry lots of data very quickly over long distances. In this case, dark fiber means unused fiber cables that a company can rent or buy for their own private use. Wireless connections Wireless connections send data through the air without any cables. Instead, they use invisible signals similar to radio waves. For example, common types are Wi-Fi in your office, cell phone networks, and satellite signals. In fact, according to the GSMA State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, 4.6 billion people use mobile internet on their phones. Wireless is convenient because you can move around freely. However, cable connections usually work faster and more reliably. What can cause network connectivity issues? Unfortunately, several problems can stop your network from working properly. These include DNS server downtime, incorrect DNS configurations, and network security settings blocking DNS traffic. Below is the explanation of each problem. DNS server downtime DNS servers work like phone books for the internet. They change website names into number codes that computers understand. DNS server downtime happens when these servers stop working. For instance, this can happen during repairs, attacks from hackers, or technical breakdowns. In 2025, several major DNS outages affected popular services, causing many websites to stop working. As a result, companies using only one DNS provider face bigger problems during these failures. Incorrect DNS configurations Wrong DNS settings stop devices from finding websites and online services. These mistakes happen when someone enters the wrong server addresses or sets up the system incorrectly. Small errors in these settings can make it hard or impossible for users to reach the websites they need. Network security settings blocking DNS traffic Security systems protect networks from threats and attacks. However, sometimes these security tools block good traffic by mistake. For example, strict security rules or old protection settings can stop DNS requests from going through. As a result, this creates problems for people trying to access websites and online tools. Securing your network infrastructure Strong network connectivity is necessary for business success today. Companies must pick systems that work reliably and can grow with their needs. Dark fiber gives businesses full control over how their network performs. These unused fiber optic cables can run on land, underwater, or above ground, and each type needs different protection based on whether it connects nearby areas or covers long distances. In fact, the global dark fiber network market reached USD 6.25 billion in 2024. This shows that more and more companies want their own private fiber cables. For this reason, ARNet provides dark fiber solutions for companies that need better network connectivity. The company gives businesses their own private fiber cables that work faster and more reliably. As a result, ARNet’s services help companies avoid the connection problems that happen with shared networks. Businesses should pick ARNet because the company offers reliable systems that grow as your company grows. ARNet’s private fiber networks remove speed limits and provide better security than regular shared services. This means your company can set up the network exactly how you need it. You can keep strong performance for all your important business activities. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Understanding IP Address Classes for Dark Fiber Networks
Every device connected to a network needs an IP address to communicate. Think of it as a digital mailing address that helps information reach the right place. Meanwhile, dark fiber networks are unused fiber optic cables that companies lease to build their own private networks. As a result, understanding IP address classes helps organize data flow and keeps all devices connected properly. Furthermore, recent data from IP2Location’s 2024 report shows big changes in IP address distribution across 249 countries during 2023. Notably, Australia moved up to 10th place, while Singapore climbed to 24th, and Seychelles jumped 25 spots to reach 99th place. Thus, these changes show that more companies around the world are building network infrastructure and, consequently, need proper IP address classes to manage their growing dark fiber systems. What are the 5 classes of IP addresses? The 5 classes of IP addresses are Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E. Specifically, these IP address classes split the available IPv4 address space into different groups based on their size and what they’re used for. Initially, network engineers created this system to help companies organize addresses based on what they need. Furthermore, IP address classes serve different networking needs and have their own address range. Primarily, Class A, B, and C handle regular network operations. Meanwhile, Class D takes care of special multicasting functions. In contrast, Class E stays reserved for experimental work. Finally, the first few bits of an IP address tell you which class it belongs to. Class A networks Class A addresses start with numbers from 1 to 126 in the first section. These networks work for very large companies because they can handle millions of connected devices. The first 8 bits identify the network, and the remaining 24 bits identify individual devices in that network. A typical Class A address looks like 10.x.x.x, where “x” can be any number from 0 to 255. Big internet service providers and large corporations use these addresses for their operations. Only 128 Class A networks exist worldwide, which makes them rare and valuable for managing large dark fiber infrastructure. Class B networks Class B addresses go from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255. These networks fit well for medium-sized companies like universities, regional offices, or mid-sized businesses. The first 16 bits identify the network, and the last 16 bits identify individual devices. Companies with thousands of devices find Class B networks practical. They balance the number of available networks with how many devices each network can support. About 16,384 Class B networks are available around the world, giving growing businesses plenty of options. Class C networks In IP address classes, Class C addresses range from 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255. These addresses are commonly used by small businesses and local networks. In this IP address class, the first 24 bits are used for the network, while the remaining 8 bits are used for device addresses. Each Class C network can support up to 254 devices. This makes it a good choice for small offices or branch locations. There are about 2 million Class C networks available, giving small companies many options without needing complex or expensive network setups. Class D networks Class D addresses range from 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255. These addresses handle multicast traffic, which means one sender can send data to multiple receivers at the same time. Video conferencing platforms and streaming services use this class often for smooth content delivery. Regular networks don’t assign Class D addresses to individual devices. Applications and services use them for group communication instead. This makes them useful for sending content across dark fiber networks to many endpoints at once, which saves bandwidth and improves efficiency. Class E networks Class E addresses go from 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. Researchers and developers keep these addresses for experimental work and future applications. Regular networks can’t use these addresses for normal operations. The Internet Engineering Task Force holds these addresses for testing new protocols and networking technologies. While they exist in the IP address classes framework, they can’t be used on the public internet. This gives future innovations dedicated resources for testing and development. Conclusion Understanding IP address classes helps you build networks that fit your company’s needs. Class A, B, and C handle regular network operations for different company sizes. Class D manages multicast traffic and Class E stays reserved for experimental use. When you understand these classifications, you can design reliable dark fiber networks that grow with your business and support increasing connectivity needs across your infrastructure. Picking the right IP address classes makes sure your network performs well and can grow when you need it to. However, implementing these configurations properly requires reliable dark fiber infrastructure as the foundation for your network. ARNet provides professional dark fiber solutions that support proper IP address implementation and network design. Their infrastructure gives your business the bandwidth and flexibility needed for modern network demands. With strong expertise in dark fiber, ARNet’s experienced team helps companies make smart infrastructure decisions. Choosing ARNet means working with a provider who delivers reliable, high-capacity fiber connections built for growth. Our network infrastructure supports IP address classes and setup your company needs, from small branch offices to company-wide deployments. ARNet’s technical knowledge helps businesses build networks that work great today and scale easily for tomorrow’s needs. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
6 Dark Fiber Internet Challenges (and How to Solve Each One)
As digital work grows, businesses need an internet that can handle a lot of data without becoming slow. Many companies still use the shared internet. This means many users are on the same connection, so speed becomes slower during busy times. Because of this, more businesses choose dark fiber internet for a stable and safe connection. With dark fiber internet, your business uses its own fiber cable that is not shared with others. This gives you full control of your network. You can easily manage speed, keep data more secure, and add more capacity as your business grows. What is the speed of dark fiber internet? Dark fiber internet speed depends on the equipment you connect to the fiber, not the fiber cable itself. This means businesses can upgrade speed whenever their data needs increase. A September 2025 report shows more companies choose dark fiber because it offers near unlimited capacity and better control over performance. Real world tests also show how powerful fiber technology is. For example, dark fiber cables can support speeds much faster than normal home internet. In 2024, researchers at Aston University sent 402 terabits per second through a standard fiber cable, showing how much potential existing fiber still has. Soon after, another record was set. In November 2025, scientists in Japan reached 430 terabits per second using fiber optic technology. Together, these results show that dark fiber internet can handle extremely large amounts of data when paired with the right equipment. What are the challenges of using dark fiber and how can you solve them? Dark fiber internet has several challenges, including cost, technical expertise, limited geographic, regulatory complexity, maintenance, and contract commitments. Each one can be managed with the right approach. Below is the detailed explanation of each of them. 1. High upfront costs Dark fiber can cost around $50,000 per mile for leasing and over $100,000 for equipment. To manage this, start small and only activate what you need first. You can also use equipment financing or share costs with other businesses in the same building. 2. Technical expertise requirements Running dark fiber requires skilled network professionals. One solution is to work with a managed dark fiber provider who can support your team. Another option is to train your current IT staff and hire one experienced specialist to guide them. 3. Limited geographic availability Dark fiber is often not available in rural areas or small cities. Check multiple providers to compare coverage. You can also ask providers about building new fiber to your location or choose offices with existing fiber connections. 4. Regulatory complexity and permit delays Permits can take six to twelve months in many cities. Working with providers who already have permits and local experience can speed things up. Starting the process early also helps avoid delays. 5. Operational burden and maintenance With dark fiber internet, you are responsible for monitoring and repairs. To reduce risk, choose service packages that include monitoring and maintenance support. It is also smart to build backup routes in case one fiber line fails. 6. Long term contract commitments Dark fiber contracts often last ten to twenty years. Try to negotiate shorter contracts with renewal options. Make sure contracts allow changes in capacity and routes as your business grows. Need help evaluating dark fiber for your business? ARNet helps businesses evaluate dark fiber needs across Southeast Asia. We operate a 10,000 km network that connects 60 data centers across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. We control all required licenses ourselves, allowing faster deployment and clear timelines. Our team monitors networks in real time and uses equipment we own and manage in house. This gives you reliable and scalable dark fiber internet built around your business needs. If you want to talk about your connectivity plans, contact our team for a simple, no pressure discussion about what solution fits your business best. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Undersea Cables Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter
Cables under the ocean support most of the internet we use every day. Satellites and wireless networks may seem important, but undersea cables carry most of the world’s internet traffic and connect countries. These cables sit on the ocean floor and allow things like video calls, online payments, cloud services, and social media to work. As people and businesses connect more online, these cables matter even more. Big tech companies are spending a lot of money to build new undersea cables. At the same time, people are more worried about keeping them safe and working well. Because they can send large amounts of data very fast, these cables are essential to the global digital world. What are undersea cables? Undersea cables are also called underwater cables. They are fiber optic cables placed on the seabed. These cables connect countries and areas across the sea. They send data using light. This allows information to move very fast and in very large amounts. New cables can carry huge amounts of data every second. They can send data across very long distances. According to BBC Future, each cable is about 2 centimeters thick. This is similar to a garden hose. Each cable runs for thousands of miles under the sea. This cable system is very large. Recorded Future reports that, as of April 2025, about 597 underwater cables are working or being built around the world. These cables connect continents, companies, and homes. At the same time, the International Telecommunication Union said that companies installed almost 200,000 kilometers of new cables in 2024 alone. Altogether, these cables are about 1.4 million kilometers long. This is enough to go around the Earth more than 35 times, based on data from Subsea Cables. The expanding scale of infrastructure This enormous network drives an industry experiencing rapid growth due to rising global data demand. According to Precedence Research, the global submarine cable system market was valued at USD 22.96 billion in 2025 and may reach USD 54.81 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 10.15%. These cables carry about 99% of all intercontinental internet traffic, as reported by the Atlantic Council, while satellites handle less than 5% and operate at much lower speeds. However, this expansion comes with physical challenges. The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) reports an average of 199 undersea cable faults each year worldwide. Fishing and anchoring cause around 86% of these disruptions. Despite a 50% increase in cable route distance since 2013, the industry has kept fault rates stable through better protective measures, according to Submarine Networks. Why undersea cables matter for global connectivity Undersea cables are long cables under the ocean that carry the internet around the world. They are very important for daily life and for the world economy. These cables help people, businesses, and countries stay connected. Building resilient digital infrastructure The world uses undersea cables more than before. Because of this, strong networks are needed. But many networks do not have backup lines or fast repair teams. When a cable breaks, places without backups can lose internet for a long time. Also, political problems and slow repairs can make this worse. This can harm communication and business. For this reason, undersea cable networks must be ready. At the same time, more people use digital services every year. So, staying online during problems is very important. To reduce risk, companies should use backup systems. For example, more than one route helps keep the network working. In Southeast Asia, a good internet is important for business. Without it, companies can fall behind. ARNet is a top dark fiber provider. It runs an all-fiber network built for AI. The network covers over 10,000 kilometers. It reaches Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. By using sea and land cables, ARNet connects 60 data centers. Because of this, it offers clear SLAs and fast setup with one license. 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