Summary of "The Subsea Cable Network with Josh Dzieza" on Software Engineering Daily
Podcast Information:
- Title: Software Engineering Daily
- Host/Author: Software Engineering Daily
- Episode: The Subsea Cable Network with Josh Dzieza
- Release Date: February 12, 2025
Introduction to Subsea Cables
In this episode, Josh Dzieza, a reporter from The Verge who has extensively covered the subsea cable industry, joins host Gregor Van, a security-focused technologist and CTO of Mailpass. The discussion delves into the often-overlooked but critical infrastructure of subsea cables that form the backbone of global communications.
Josh Dzieza begins by explaining the fundamental role of subsea cables:
"Subsea cables are high capacity fiber optic lines laid along the ocean floor to enable global communication by transmitting data between continents spanning thousands of miles. They carry an estimated 95% of international Internet phone and data transmissions." (00:00)
Importance to Global Communication and Software Engineering
The conversation highlights how integral these cables are to everyday internet usage and, by extension, to software development and global digital operations.
Josh emphasizes:
"The Internet is cables, basically. [...] They're the heart of the Internet." (07:46)
Gregor adds context by dispelling common misconceptions about satellite reliance:
"There's a misconception that satellites play a huge part in this. And actually, that's just not the case." (10:12)
This segment underscores that while satellites serve specific purposes, the vast majority of global data transmission relies on these terrestrial and underwater fiber optic networks.
Maintenance Industry and Challenges
Josh sheds light on the niche and precarious nature of the subsea cable maintenance industry:
"It's a pretty small industry... there are fewer than a dozen companies, maybe 1,000 people worldwide that do repair work specifically." (02:15)
He discusses the challenges faced, including the aging fleet of repair ships and the scarcity of skilled personnel:
"The maintenance industry feels squeezed. [...] It's hard to negotiate against a tech giant like that and they want to keep their costs low." (15:54)
Ownership and Hyperscalers' Involvement
The episode explores how major tech companies, often referred to as hyperscalers (e.g., Meta, Google), are increasingly investing in their own submarine cables to ensure data flow continuity and reduce dependency on third-party providers.
Josh elaborates:
"The hyperscalers are the biggest investors at this point... they feel squeezed by the maintenance industry." (15:54)
This shift impacts the traditional maintenance arrangements, as these tech giants prioritize laying new cables over funding maintenance, potentially affecting long-term industry sustainability.
Repair Process Detailed Walkthrough
A significant portion of the discussion provides an in-depth look at the intricate and labor-intensive process of repairing submarine cables.
Josh describes the repair steps:
"When a cable gets cut, alarm will go off in the network operations center... they load up the broken cable and sail out to the repair site." (18:58)
He explains the precision required in splicing cables underwater:
"It's extremely minute and precise. They splice some of the spare cable onto that end... This can take just like a week in the best case scenario." (22:53)
The meticulous nature of this work highlights the fragile balance maintaining global internet stability.
Recent Geopolitical Incident and Its Impact
The podcast addresses a notable incident involving a Chinese-flagged freighter that allegedly cut submarine cables, significantly disrupting internet connectivity for four NATO countries.
Josh recounts:
"You had this Chinese flagged freighter that... dragged its anchor, cut off Internet to four NATO countries." (30:37)
This event underscores the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding these critical infrastructures and the potential for cables to become tools or targets in international conflicts.
Strategic Infrastructure and Future Resilience
Discussing the strategic importance of cable landing points, Josh identifies key vulnerabilities:
"Major landing points like Cornwall or New Jersey are places of extreme infrastructure vulnerability." (35:34)
He notes efforts to enhance security:
"There's been talk about hardening them and creating more security infrastructure around them." (35:34)
Additionally, the conversation touches on the need for increased redundancy:
"More cables being laid all the time... but there's a question of whether this truly enhances redundancy." (36:52)
Josh raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the maintenance industry amid these changes.
Technological Evolution and Future Trends
Looking ahead, Josh discusses advancements in cable technology driven by hyperscalers:
"Hyperscalers are driving a lot of innovation in cable development... increasing capacity and data throughput." (41:07)
However, he notes that while internal cable technology evolves, maintenance methods remain largely unchanged:
"Maintenance and laying stuff is pretty much just how they did it in the Victorian era." (41:07)
This dichotomy points to potential future challenges in adapting maintenance practices to modern cable complexities.
Personal Insights from Josh Dziezza
In concluding reflections, Josh shares surprising revelations from his research:
"The scale involved was always striking... it's an interesting juxtaposition of cutting-edge IT and analog underwater work." (42:53)
He highlights the blend of high-tech and manual labor necessary to keep the global internet functioning, emphasizing the hidden complexities behind everyday digital experiences.
Conclusion
This episode of Software Engineering Daily provides a comprehensive exploration of the submarine cable network, revealing its critical role in global communications, the intricate challenges of maintenance, the evolving landscape influenced by tech giants, and the heightened geopolitical significance. Josh Dzieza offers insightful perspectives into an often-invisible infrastructure that underpins modern internet connectivity, emphasizing the need for increased investment and innovation to sustain and protect this vital network.
For more articles and insights from Josh Dzieza, visit The Verge.
Timestamps
- 00:00 Introduction to Subsea Cables
- 02:15 Josh's Interest in Technology Infrastructure
- 07:46 Importance to the Internet and Software
- 10:12 Satellites vs. Subsea Cables
- 15:54 Hyperscalers' Impact on Maintenance
- 18:58 Repair Process Overview
- 22:53 Engineering Challenges in Repair
- 30:37 Chinese Freighter Incident
- 35:34 Vulnerable Cable Landing Points
- 36:52 Future Resilience and Redundancy
- 41:07 Technological Advancements in Cables
- 42:53 Personal Insights and Surprises
Note: The advertisement segment between 17:01 and 17:42 has been omitted as per instructions.