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The WACS cable was originally planned to be named the 'West African Link'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) was initially planned under the name Africa West Coast Cable (AWCC), not 'West African Link'.
What is the primary function of the West Africa Cable System (WACS)?
Answer: To establish a submarine communications link between South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) serves as a critical submarine communications infrastructure, linking South Africa with the United Kingdom and providing vital connectivity for the African continent.
What was the original name proposed for the WACS cable system before it was finalized?
Answer: Africa West Coast Cable (AWCC)
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) was initially proposed and planned under the name Africa West Coast Cable (AWCC).
What was the planned, but later dropped, extension for the WACS cable system?
Answer: A connection to South America
Explanation: A planned extension for the WACS cable system to connect to South America was conceived but ultimately dropped during the project's development.
What was the initial name envisioned for a branch of the WACS cable that was eventually dropped?
Answer: A connection to South America
Explanation: The WACS project initially included plans for a branch connection to South America, which was subsequently omitted from the final design.
The WACS cable spans approximately 14,530 kilometers and its route terminates in London.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WACS cable spans approximately 14,530 kilometers, with its route extending to London, United Kingdom.
The WACS cable's operational capacity upon its launch in 2012 was 5.12 Terabits per second.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon its operational launch in 2012, the West Africa Cable System (WACS) had an initial design capacity of 5.12 Terabits per second (Tbit/s).
The WACS system uses a single power ring to supply voltage to its undersea amplifiers, requiring high voltage levels.
Answer: False
Explanation: The WACS system employs two independent power rings, not a single one, to supply voltage to its undersea components, which helps reduce the required voltage levels.
The 'wavelength pass through' feature allows signals to terminate at landing stations, preventing future upgrades.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'wavelength pass through' feature in WACS landing stations allows signals to continue along the cable, thereby facilitating future capacity upgrades without requiring equipment replacement at every landing point.
The WACS cable system is structured using a trunk and branch topology.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WACS cable system is architected with a trunk and branch topology, comprising a main line with multiple connecting offshoots.
Fiber Pair 4 (the 'omnibus fiber') on WACS only serves the direct route between South Africa and Portugal.
Answer: False
Explanation: Fiber Pair 4, designated as the 'omnibus fiber,' is designed to stop at all landing ports along the entire WACS route, not exclusively the direct South Africa to Portugal segment.
The WACS cable has a current lit capacity of 14.5 Terabits per second, utilizing its full design potential.
Answer: False
Explanation: The WACS cable has a total design capacity of 14.5 Terabits per second (Tbit/s), but its currently lit capacity is 500 Gigabits per second (Gbit/s), indicating significant unused potential.
WACS utilizes Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology to transmit multiple data streams.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WACS cable system employs Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology, which enables the transmission of multiple data streams concurrently over a single fiber optic strand by utilizing different wavelengths of light.
The WACS cable system is classified as having a linear topology.
Answer: False
Explanation: The WACS cable system is not classified as having a linear topology; it utilizes a trunk and branch topology.
The purpose of the 'omnibus fibre' (Fiber Pair 4) is to provide a direct express route bypassing intermediate stops.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'omnibus fibre' (Fiber Pair 4) on WACS is designed to stop at all landing ports, serving as a route that connects all locations, rather than providing a direct express route.
What is the approximate total length of the WACS submarine cable?
Answer: Approximately 14,530 kilometers
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) spans a total length of approximately 14,530 kilometers.
What technological innovation in WACS reduces the required voltage for powering undersea equipment?
Answer: Employing two independent power rings instead of one.
Explanation: The implementation of two independent power rings, rather than a single ring, in the WACS system contributes to reducing the voltage required for powering undersea equipment.
The 'wavelength pass through' feature in WACS landing stations primarily serves to:
Answer: Allow signals to continue along the cable, facilitating future upgrades.
Explanation: The 'wavelength pass through' capability enables optical signals to proceed along the WACS cable beyond a landing station, which is essential for enabling future capacity enhancements without necessitating equipment modifications at every node.
Which fiber pair is designated as the 'omnibus fiber' in the WACS cable's routing strategy?
Answer: Fiber Pair 4
Explanation: Fiber Pair 4 is designated as the 'omnibus fiber' within the WACS cable system's routing architecture.
What is the difference between WACS's total design capacity and its currently lit capacity?
Answer: Design capacity is 14.5 Tbit/s, lit capacity is 500 Gbit/s.
Explanation: The WACS cable possesses a total design capacity of 14.5 Terabits per second (Tbit/s), whereas its currently lit capacity is 500 Gigabits per second (Gbit/s), indicating substantial available bandwidth for future expansion.
Which technology allows WACS to transmit multiple data streams over a single fiber using different light wavelengths?
Answer: Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)
Explanation: Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is the technology employed by the WACS cable system to transmit multiple data streams concurrently over a single fiber by utilizing distinct wavelengths of light.
The WACS cable's topology is described as a main line with connecting segments. What is this called?
Answer: Trunk and Branch Topology
Explanation: The architectural configuration of the WACS cable system is classified as a trunk and branch topology, characterized by a primary trunk line and multiple branching connections.
Which fiber pair on the WACS cable acts as a direct 'express lane' from South Africa to Portugal?
Answer: Fiber Pair 1
Explanation: Fiber Pair 1 on the WACS cable is designated to function as a direct express route connecting South Africa to Portugal.
What was the initial capacity of the WACS cable when it became operational in 2012?
Answer: 5.12 Tbit/s
Explanation: The initial operational capacity of the WACS cable upon its launch in 2012 was 5.12 Terabits per second (Tbit/s).
The WACS cable utilizes fiber-optic technology. What specific multiplexing technique is employed?
Answer: Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)
Explanation: The WACS cable system employs Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) as its primary multiplexing technique for fiber-optic data transmission.
How many fiber pairs are utilized in the WACS cable system for traffic routing?
Answer: 4
Explanation: The WACS cable system utilizes four fiber pairs for its traffic routing infrastructure.
What does the 'wavelength pass through' capability enable for the WACS network?
Answer: Future capacity upgrades without replacing equipment at every landing point.
Explanation: The 'wavelength pass through' capability is instrumental in facilitating future capacity upgrades across the WACS network, as it permits signals to bypass landing stations, thereby avoiding the need for equipment replacement at each location.
Which of the following is NOT one of the specified uses for the four fiber pairs in WACS?
Answer: Backup route for satellite communication
Explanation: The four fiber pairs in WACS are utilized for direct express routes, semi-express routes with intermediate hops, and an omnibus route stopping at all ports. A backup route for satellite communication is not specified as a use.
What is the approximate voltage used in the WACS cable's independent power rings?
Answer: 12,000 V DC
Explanation: The independent power rings utilized in the WACS cable system operate at an approximate voltage of 12,000 V DC.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the WACS cable's trunk and branch topology?
Answer: It consists of a main line with multiple offshoots.
Explanation: A defining characteristic of the trunk and branch topology employed by WACS is the presence of a main trunk line from which multiple offshoots or branches extend to various locations.
The WACS cable system uses fiber-optic technology primarily for:
Answer: Transmitting data using light pulses.
Explanation: The WACS cable system leverages fiber-optic technology, which fundamentally relies on the transmission of data via pulses of light.
Which specific technology allows WACS to carry multiple signals over one fiber by using different colors of light?
Answer: Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)
Explanation: Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is the technology employed by WACS that enables the transmission of multiple signals over a single fiber by utilizing distinct wavelengths, often referred to as different colors of light.
Alcatel-Lucent was the company responsible for constructing the WACS cable system.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alcatel-Lucent was contracted for the construction of the West Africa Cable System (WACS).
The WACS consortium was initially formed by 14 companies before signing the agreement.
Answer: False
Explanation: The final WACS consortium comprised 12 companies when the Construction and Maintenance Agreement was signed, not 14.
Subsea cable laying for WACS commenced in July 2010 using the cable ship Île de Bréhat.
Answer: True
Explanation: Subsea cable laying operations for the WACS project commenced in July 2010, utilizing the cable ship Île de Bréhat.
The subsea cable laying for WACS was completed in April 2011 with the final landing in Portugal.
Answer: False
Explanation: The subsea cable laying for WACS was completed in April 2011, but the final landing occurred in Yzerfontein, South Africa, not Portugal.
The WACS cable system officially became operational on May 11, 2012.
Answer: True
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) was officially launched and became operational on May 11, 2012.
The image caption indicates the Île de Bréhat was involved in connecting the WACS fiber in Yzerfontein in late April 2011.
Answer: True
Explanation: An image caption confirms the involvement of the cable ship Île de Bréhat in connecting the WACS fiber at Yzerfontein, South Africa, in late April 2011.
The WACS cable was laid simultaneously by two sister cable ships, Île de Bréhat and Île de Sein.
Answer: True
Explanation: The laying of the WACS cable was conducted concurrently by two Alcatel-Lucent cable ships: the Île de Bréhat and its sister vessel, the Île de Sein.
Which company was contracted for the construction of the WACS cable system?
Answer: Alcatel-Lucent
Explanation: Alcatel-Lucent was the principal contractor responsible for the construction of the West Africa Cable System (WACS).
How many companies formed the final WACS consortium?
Answer: 12
Explanation: The final consortium for the West Africa Cable System (WACS) comprised 12 companies.
On what date did the subsea cable laying operations for WACS officially begin?
Answer: July 15, 2010
Explanation: The subsea cable laying operations for the WACS project commenced on July 15, 2010.
When did the WACS cable system officially become operational?
Answer: May 11, 2012
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) officially commenced operations on May 11, 2012.
Which of the following companies was a part of the final WACS consortium?
Answer: Vodacom
Explanation: Vodacom was one of the 12 companies that constituted the final consortium for the West Africa Cable System (WACS).
The cable ship Île de Bréhat was used for which phase of the WACS project?
Answer: Subsea cable laying operations
Explanation: The cable ship Île de Bréhat played a crucial role in the subsea cable laying operations phase of the WACS project.
The WACS cable system officially began operations in which year?
Answer: 2012
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) officially commenced its operational phase in the year 2012.
The West Africa Cable System (WACS) primarily establishes a connection between South Africa and France.
Answer: False
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) primarily connects South Africa to the United Kingdom, with a landing point in Portugal as well, not France.
The WACS cable system has exactly 10 landing points, all located within Africa.
Answer: False
Explanation: The WACS cable system has 14 landing points in total, with 12 located in Africa and two in Europe (Portugal and the United Kingdom).
Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Togo were among the countries that received their first direct connection to the global submarine cable network via WACS.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WACS cable provided the inaugural direct connection to the global submarine cable network for several African nations, including Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Togo.
The WACS cable was deliberately landed at Yzerfontein, South Africa, to connect to major urban centers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The WACS cable was landed at Yzerfontein, South Africa, strategically to mitigate the risk of network isolation due to potential damage at traditional gateway locations, rather than solely for direct connection to urban centers.
The WACS cable system connects 12 countries along the western coast of Africa and Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: The WACS cable system has 12 landing points in Africa and connects multiple countries. However, the precise total number of connected countries is not explicitly stated as 12 in the provided data.
How many landing points does the WACS cable system have in total?
Answer: 14
Explanation: The WACS cable system features a total of 14 landing points, distributed across Africa and Europe.
Which of the following countries was NOT among those gaining its first direct global submarine cable connection via WACS?
Answer: Ghana
Explanation: While Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Togo were among the nations receiving their first direct submarine cable connection via WACS, Ghana was not listed in this specific context.
Why was the WACS cable's landing point chosen at Yzerfontein, South Africa, instead of traditional locations?
Answer: To minimize the risk of network isolation due to potential damage at traditional sites.
Explanation: The selection of Yzerfontein as the South African landing point for WACS was a strategic decision aimed at reducing the vulnerability to network isolation that could arise from damage at more conventional gateway locations.
The WACS cable connects landing points in which two European countries?
Answer: Portugal and the United Kingdom
Explanation: The WACS cable system establishes landing points in two European countries: Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a landing point for the WACS cable?
Answer: Cape Town, South Africa
Explanation: While Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), and Accra (Ghana) are listed as landing points, Cape Town, South Africa is not explicitly mentioned as a landing point; Yzerfontein is the South African landing site.
What is the significance of the WACS cable landing at Yzerfontein, South Africa?
Answer: It reduces the risk of isolation compared to traditional gateways.
Explanation: Landing the WACS cable at Yzerfontein, South Africa, enhances network resilience by mitigating the risk of complete isolation that could occur if traditional, more vulnerable gateway locations were solely utilized.
Which specific location in the UK serves as the landing point for the WACS cable?
Answer: Highbridge
Explanation: The United Kingdom landing point for the WACS cable is located in Highbridge, with an underground extension reaching London.
The WACS cable system connects to how many African countries?
Answer: The exact number is not specified, but it spans the west coast.
Explanation: While the WACS cable has 12 landing points in Africa and connects numerous countries, the precise total number of African nations it connects is not explicitly enumerated in the provided data, though it spans the continent's west coast.
The WACS cable connects South Africa to the UK via the west coast of which continent?
Answer: Africa
Explanation: The West Africa Cable System (WACS) traverses the west coast of Africa to establish its connection between South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The total cost for the WACS cable project was estimated to be around $650 million USD.
Answer: True
Explanation: The estimated total project cost for the West Africa Cable System (WACS) was approximately $650 million USD.
MTN Group was the largest investor in WACS, contributing $90 million for 11% of the initial capacity.
Answer: True
Explanation: MTN Group was the principal investor in the WACS project, committing $90 million and securing 11% of the initial capacity.
The total project cost for the 4-fiber pair WACS system was approximately $500 million USD.
Answer: False
Explanation: The total project cost for the WACS system was approximately $650 million USD, not $500 million USD.
What was the estimated total cost of the WACS cable project?
Answer: $650 million USD
Explanation: The estimated total cost incurred for the West Africa Cable System (WACS) project was approximately $650 million USD.
What was MTN Group's investment amount in the WACS project?
Answer: $90 million
Explanation: MTN Group's investment in the WACS project amounted to $90 million.
Which South African company was the largest investor in the WACS cable project?
Answer: MTN Group
Explanation: MTN Group emerged as the largest investor in the WACS cable project among the South African companies involved.
On August 6, 2023, the WACS cable experienced a break caused by a rockfall in the Congo Canyon.
Answer: True
Explanation: A rockfall in the Congo Canyon on August 6, 2023, caused a simultaneous break in the WACS and SAT-3 Cable Systems.
The August 2023 cable breaks led to improved internet speeds in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Answer: False
Explanation: The simultaneous breaks of the WACS and SAT-3 cables in August 2023 resulted in a significant degradation of internet speeds in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Damage to a branching unit on the WACS cable can interrupt traffic on the main trunk line.
Answer: False
Explanation: The branching units on the WACS cable are designed such that damage or repair to a branch does not interrupt traffic flow on the main trunk line.
What caused the simultaneous break of the WACS and SAT-3 cables on August 6, 2023?
Answer: A rock fall in the Congo Canyon.
Explanation: The simultaneous rupture of the WACS and SAT-3 cables on August 6, 2023, was attributed to a rockfall event occurring within the Congo Canyon.
What is a key advantage of the WACS branching unit design?
Answer: They maintain the integrity of the main trunk cable during branch repairs.
Explanation: A significant advantage of the WACS branching unit design is its capacity to preserve the operational integrity of the main trunk cable, even when repairs are being conducted on a specific branch.
How does the WACS cable system handle potential repairs to its branching units?
Answer: Traffic on the main trunk line continues uninterrupted during branch servicing.
Explanation: The design of the WACS cable system's branching units ensures that traffic flow on the main trunk line remains unaffected during servicing or repair operations on individual branches.
What was the impact of the August 2023 cable breaks on internet connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Answer: Significant degradation of internet speeds.
Explanation: The simultaneous cable breaks in August 2023 led to a significant degradation of internet speeds across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The initial design capacity agreed upon in 2008 for WACS was 5.12 Terabits per second.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial design capacity agreed upon for WACS in 2008 was 3.84 Terabits per second (Tbit/s), not 5.12 Tbit/s.
An upgrade in December 2015 increased the WACS cable's capacity to 14.5 Terabits per second using WDM technology.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant upgrade delivered in December 2015 increased the WACS cable's design capacity to 14.5 Terabits per second (Tbit/s), employing technologies such as Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM).
What was the planned design capacity of WACS when the project agreement was signed in 2008?
Answer: 3.84 Tbit/s
Explanation: The initial design capacity planned for the WACS cable system, as agreed upon in 2008, was 3.84 Terabits per second (Tbit/s).
By December 2015, the WACS cable's design capacity was significantly upgraded to what level?
Answer: 14.5 Tbit/s
Explanation: An upgrade delivered in December 2015 substantially increased the WACS cable's design capacity to 14.5 Terabits per second (Tbit/s).
The WACS cable system was upgraded in December 2015 using technologies including:
Answer: DWDM and FEC
Explanation: The December 2015 upgrade to the WACS cable system incorporated technologies such as Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and Forward Error Correction (FEC).