Enhancing India’s Digital Connectivity Through New Undersea Cables

Sub : Sci

Sec: Awareness in it and computer

Why in News

India is set to boost its digital connectivity with two new submarine cable systems, India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX), enhancing Internet links to Asia and Europe. These developments highlight India’s growing role in undersea cable resilience and security.

Key Points:

IAX (India Asia Xpress): Connects Chennai and Mumbai to Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
IEX (India Europe Xpress): Links Chennai and Mumbai to France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti.

Undersea Cables:

Submarine cables are fibre optic cables laid on the seabed to transmit telecommunication signals across continents.
Over 99% of international data transfer relies on undersea cables.
First submarine cable: Laid in 1858 for telegraphy.
Modern cables: Made of fibre optics for faster and higher-capacity data transmission.
How They Work:
- Data is converted into light signals and transmitted through the fibres.
- Repeaters: Placed every 50–100 km to amplify light signals.
- Landing Stations: Connect the cables to terrestrial networks.

Optical Fibers:

Thin strands of glass or plastic used for transmitting data as light signals.
Components:
- Core: Carries light.
- Cladding: Ensures total internal reflection.
- Buffer Coating: Protects from moisture and damage.
Types of Optical Fibers:
- Single-Mode Fiber: Used for long-distance communication (e.g., undersea cables).
- Multi-Mode Fiber: Suitable for short distances, like LANs.
How They Work:
- Light signals carrying data are sent into the fibre core.
- Total internal reflection keeps the light within the core. At the receiver, light is decoded back into electrical signals.
Applications: Internet, telecommunication, cable TV, medical imaging (endoscopy).
Total Internal Reflection: This phenomenon allows light to travel long distances within the fiber with minimal loss of power.