What is the Southern Cross Cable?

The Southern Cross Cable is a trans-Pacific network of telecommunications cables that was commissioned in the year 2000. It is operated by the Bermuda-registered company Southern Cross Cables Limited and serves as a vital link for data transmission across the Pacific Ocean.

What type of cable technology does the Southern Cross Cable utilize?

The Southern Cross Cable system is a fibre-optic network. It comprises both submarine cables laid across the ocean floor and terrestrial cables that connect landing points to inland infrastructure.

What is the current operational status of the Southern Cross Cable?

The Southern Cross Cable system is currently active and operational. It continues to provide essential communication infrastructure across the Pacific.

When was the construction of the Southern Cross Cable initiated and completed?

Construction for the Southern Cross Cable began in 1999 and was finished in 2000. The system became operational for customers by November 2000.

When did the Southern Cross Cable first carry traffic?

The Southern Cross Cable system first carried traffic in the year 2000, marking its official operational start.

What was the design capacity of the Southern Cross Cable as of January 2020?

As of January 2020, the design capacity of the Southern Cross Cable was specified as greater than 20 terabits per second (Tbit/s), based on the implementation of 100G+ technology.

What is the lit capacity of the Southern Cross Cable as of 2023?

By 2023, the lit capacity of the Southern Cross Cable had reached 92 terabits per second (Tbit/s).

Who were the primary manufacturers involved in building the Southern Cross Cable?

The Southern Cross Cable system was built by Alcatel-Lucent and Fujitsu.

Which geographical regions does the Southern Cross Cable network connect?

The Southern Cross Cable network serves the Southern Pacific region and the US Pacific coast. Specifically, it connects Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Kiribati, Hawaii, and the US mainland.

Who are the owners of Southern Cross Cables Limited?

Southern Cross Cables Limited is owned by a consortium of telecommunications companies, including Spark New Zealand, Singtel/Optus, Telstra, and Verizon Business.

What is the total length of the Southern Cross Cable network?

The Southern Cross network consists of 28,900 kilometers (18,000 miles) of submarine fiber optic cables and 1,600 kilometers (990 miles) of terrestrial fiber optic cables.

In what configuration does the Southern Cross Cable network operate?

The entire Southern Cross network operates in a triple-ring configuration, which enhances redundancy and resilience.

What was the initial bandwidth capacity of each cable in the Southern Cross network?

Initially, each cable within the Southern Cross network had a bandwidth capacity of 120 gigabits per second (Gbit/s).

What range of capacity services does Southern Cross offer?

Southern Cross offers a wide range of capacity services, from 100 Megabits per second (M/STM-1) up to 100 Gigabits per second (Gbit/s) OTU-4, including various Ethernet Private Line services at 1G, 10G, and 40G.

How has the capacity of the Southern Cross Cable system been upgraded over time?

The capacity of the Southern Cross Cable has seen significant upgrades since its commissioning. In April 2008, capacity was doubled, and by the end of 2008, it was upgraded again to 860 Gbit/s. In May 2010, the system was upgraded to 1.2 Tbit/s. Further upgrades in 2012 brought capacity to 1.6 Tbit/s, and by July 2013, it reached 2.6 Tbit/s. An additional 500 Gbit/s was planned for deployment by Q2 2014, increasing total capacity to 3.6 Tbit/s. By June 2014, another 900 Gbit/s was added. The system currently operates at approximately 10 Tbit/s using a mix of 100 Gbit/s, 200 Gbit/s, and 250 Gbit/s wavelengths. The Southern Cross NEXT system is expected to add a further 72 Tbit/s by the end of 2021.

What are the specific landing points for the Southern Cross Cable in Australia?

In Australia, the Southern Cross Cable lands at Alexandria, Sydney, New South Wales, and Brookvale, Sydney, New South Wales.

Which islands in the Pacific are served by the Southern Cross Cable's landing points?

The Southern Cross Cable has landing points on Suva in Fiji and North West Point in Kiribati, connecting these islands to the wider network.

What are the landing points for the Southern Cross Cable in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the Southern Cross Cable lands at Whenuapai and Takapuna.

Where does the Southern Cross Cable make landfall in the United States?

The Southern Cross Cable makes landfall in the United States at Kahe Point on Oahu, Hawaii; Samuel M. Spencer Beach on the island of Hawaii; Nedonna Beach, Oregon; and Morro Bay, California.

What are the designated access points for terrestrial connections to the Southern Cross Cable network, and where are they located?

Terrestrial connections to the Southern Cross Cable network are available at Equinix in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; the Westin Building in Seattle, Washington, United States; and CoreSite in San Jose, California, United States.

How many segments comprise the Southern Cross network, and what are the primary submarine segments?

The Southern Cross network comprises 12 segments in total. The primary submarine segments include Alexandria-Whenuapai (A), Takapuna-Spencer Beach (C), Spencer Beach-Morro Bay (D), Kahe Point-Hillsboro, Oregon (F), Suva-Kahe Point (G1), Brookvale-Suva (G2), and Spencer Beach-Kahe Point (I).

What are the key terrestrial segments of the Southern Cross network?

The key terrestrial segments of the Southern Cross network include Whenuapai-Takapuna (B), Hillsboro, Oregon-Morro Bay (E) which is further divided into Morro Bay-San Jose (E1) and San Jose-Hillsboro, Oregon (E2), and Alexandria-Brookvale (H).

What is the primary design principle behind the Southern Cross Cable's network topology?

The network topology of the Southern Cross Cable is designed to provide redundant paths and ensure it is self-healing in the event of physical damage.

How does the Southern Cross Cable network achieve redundancy and resilience?

The network's topology is configured with redundant paths, allowing traffic to be rerouted automatically if one path is damaged. This self-healing capability ensures continuous service.

Describe the physical construction of the Southern Cross Cable based on its cross-section diagram.

The Southern Cross Cable's construction, from the inside out, includes optical fibers encased in water-resistant jelly, surrounded by steel wires, then a layer of copper tubing, and finally an insulating layer of high-density polyethylene.

What material is used for the outermost insulating layer of the Southern Cross Cable?

The outermost insulating layer of the Southern Cross Cable is made of high-density polyethylene, measuring approximately 17 mm (0.67 inches) in thickness.

What is the function of the copper tubing within the Southern Cross Cable's structure?

The copper tubing, approximately 8.3 mm (0.33 inches) in diameter, is a component within the cable's structure, likely serving a role in power transmission for repeaters or signal integrity.

What protective element is found around the optical fibers in the Southern Cross Cable?

The optical fibers within the Southern Cross Cable are protected by being housed in a water-resistant jelly.

What allegations were made in 2013 and 2014 regarding the NSA and the Southern Cross Cable?

In 2013 and 2014, reports emerged alleging that the owners of the Southern Cross cable had been approached by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) regarding mass surveillance of internet activity in New Zealand. Specifically, it was alleged that the NSA was conducting surveillance on metadata and content transmitted through the cable.

What was Russel Norman's statement in August 2014 concerning interception on the Southern Cross Cable?

In August 2014, Russel Norman, co-leader of the New Zealand Green Party, stated that an interception point was being established on the Southern Cross Cable. He claimed this would enable the government to spy on all phone calls and internet traffic originating from New Zealand, as it is the sole telecommunications access point.

How did the office of New Zealand Prime Minister John Key respond to the claims of NSA interception?

The office of Prime Minister John Key denied the specific claims of mass surveillance but acknowledged ongoing negotiations with the NSA regarding a 'cable access programme,' without providing further clarification on its nature or the NSA's involvement.

Despite traversing the Pacific Ring of Fire, how frequently has the Southern Cross Cable experienced damage incidents?

The Southern Cross Cable has experienced relatively few damage incidents, despite its extensive length and its path across the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire.

What caused a significant reduction in the Southern Cross Cable's bandwidth capability in late 2007, and how was it addressed?

In late 2007, hurricane-strength storms and flooding damaged the carrier's Oregon cable route, which temporarily halved its bandwidth capability between Australia/New Zealand/Fiji and the United States. Customer services were restored via an alternate path, and emergency repair works were organized for February 3, 2008.

How did an undersea earthquake in March 2008 affect the Southern Cross Cable, and what was the user impact?

An undersea earthquake in March 2008 impacted a shunt on the Southern Cross Cable. However, due to the cable's built-in redundancy and spare capacity, users experienced no change in access speed or service availability.

When did the construction of the Southern Cross Cable commence, and when was it operational for customers?

Construction of the Southern Cross Cable began in July 1999, and the system was in use by customers by November 2000.

What was the initial estimated investment for the development of the Southern Cross Cable system?

The initial development of the Southern Cross Cable system represented a private investment with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.

Which companies are currently part of the Southern Cross Cables Limited ownership?

As of December 2019, the owners of Southern Cross Cables Limited include Spark New Zealand, Singtel/Optus, Telstra, and Verizon Business.

What was the original motivation and agreement behind the creation of the Southern Cross Cable network?

The Southern Cross Cable network was the result of a 1997 agreement between Spark Trading, Optus, MFS Globenet, and Southern Cross. This agreement was a response to the rapid and unexpected growth of the internet, which created a need for a submarine cable link connecting the West Coast of the Americas with Australasia.

What is Southern Cross NEXT in relation to the existing Southern Cross cable ecosystem?

Southern Cross NEXT is a new route addition designed to extend the existing Southern Cross cable ecosystem, enhancing its capacity and connectivity.

When did the construction and completion of the Southern Cross NEXT cable occur?

Construction for the Southern Cross NEXT cable began in 2019 and it was completed on July 7th, 2022.

What is the projected capacity and length of the Southern Cross NEXT cable?

The Southern Cross NEXT cable is designed to carry up to 72 terabits per second (Tbit/s) and spans approximately 16,148 kilometers (10,034 miles), creating the largest capacity data link between Sydney, Auckland, and Los Angeles.

What is the estimated cost of the Southern Cross NEXT cable, and who owns it?

The Southern Cross NEXT cable is predicted to cost around $300 million and is owned by the Southern Cross group of companies.

How is Southern Cross NEXT being marketed and integrated with the original network?

Southern Cross NEXT is not being marketed as a standalone cable but is designed as an extension of the original Southern Cross network. The Southern Cross group companies are funding this new segment.

Which company became a new shareholder in Southern Cross companies with the announcement of Southern Cross NEXT?

With the announcement and approval of Southern Cross NEXT, the Australian telecommunications company Telstra entered as a new shareholder of the Southern Cross companies, acquiring a 25% stake in August 2019.

When did Southern Cross NEXT officially enter service?

The Southern Cross NEXT cable officially entered service in July 2022.

What are the primary landing points for the Southern Cross NEXT cable, and what benefit does it offer?

The Southern Cross NEXT cable runs from Clovelly in Sydney, Australia, to Los Angeles, USA. It provides carriers with lower latency connections between Australia and the United States.

Which Pacific islands are connected by branching units on the Southern Cross NEXT cable?

Branching units on the Southern Cross NEXT cable connect New Zealand, Fiji (specifically to the islands of Suva and Savusavu), Kiribati, and Tokelau.

What are some examples of Pacific Island cables that interconnect with the Southern Cross network?

Several Pacific Island cables interconnect with the Southern Cross network, including the Tonga Cable System, the Interchange Cable System to Vanuatu, the TUI-Samoa cable linking Samoa to Fiji, and the Gondwana-1 system connecting Australia to New Caledonia.

Which cable system links French Polynesia to the Southern Cross system in Hawaii?

The Honotua cable system provides the link between French Polynesia and the Southern Cross system in Hawaii.

What types of related information can be found in the 'See also' section of the Southern Cross Cable article?

The 'See also' section provides links to broader topics such as a list of international submarine communications cables, and specifically lists other Australian international submarine cables with their service years, including Pipe Pacific Cable, Telstra Endeavour, Australia-Japan Cable, SEA-ME-WE 3, JASURAUS, and PacRimWest.

Southern Cross Cable Wiki: Southern Cross Cable: The Digital Arteries of the Pacific

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System Overview

Trans-Pacific Network

The Southern Cross Cable is a sophisticated trans-Pacific network of fiber optic telecommunications cables, initially commissioned in the year 2000. It forms a critical component of the global internet infrastructure, facilitating high-capacity data transfer between North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Physical Scale

The network comprises approximately 28,900 kilometers (18,000 miles) of submarine fiber optic cable and an additional 1,600 kilometers (990 miles) of terrestrial fiber optic links. This extensive infrastructure is architected in a resilient triple-ring configuration to ensure redundancy and reliability.

Ownership and Operation

Operated by the Bermuda-registered entity Southern Cross Cables Limited, the system is a consortium investment. Key stakeholders include Spark New Zealand, Singtel/Optus, Telstra, and Verizon Business, reflecting a collaborative approach to managing this vital international asset.

Capacity Milestones

Initially designed with a capacity of 120 gigabits per second (Gbit/s) per cable, the system has undergone numerous significant upgrades. As of 2023, its lit capacity stands at an impressive 92 Tbit/s, with a design capacity exceeding 20 Tbit/s based on advanced 100G+ technology, demonstrating continuous evolution in data transmission capabilities.

Evolution of Capacity

Early Development and Upgrades

Construction commenced in July 1999, with the system becoming operational for customers by November 2000. Initial bandwidth was 120 Gbit/s per cable. Subsequent upgrades rapidly increased capacity: it was doubled in April 2008, reaching 860 Gbit/s by the end of that year. A further upgrade to 1.2 Tbit/s was completed in May 2010.

Technological Advancements

The adoption of 40G technology led to a planned 800G upgrade, completed in two phases by December 2012. By July 2013, an additional 400G utilizing 100G coherent wavelength technology brought the total system capacity to 2.6 Tbit/s. Further deployments increased this to 3.6 Tbit/s by Q2 2014, with ongoing efforts adding capacity approximately every two to three years.

Southern Cross NEXT

The Southern Cross NEXT project, representing a significant expansion, began construction in 2019 and was completed in July 2022. This new route adds substantial capacity, capable of carrying up to 72 Tbit/s, and provides lower latency connections between Australia, New Zealand, and Los Angeles. The project involved an estimated investment of $300 million, with Telstra joining as a new shareholder.

Physical Infrastructure

Landing and Access Points

The cable system makes landfall at numerous strategic locations across the Pacific. Key submarine landing points include Alexandria (NSW, Australia), Suva (Fiji), Whenuapai (New Zealand), Kahe Point (Oahu, Hawaii), and Nedonna Beach (Oregon, USA). Terrestrial connections extend from these points to major data centers, such as Equinix in Sydney, the Westin Building in Seattle, and CoreSite in San Jose.

Network Topology

The network is engineered with a redundant triple-ring topology, designed to be self-healing. This architecture ensures that if one segment of the cable is damaged, traffic can be rerouted through alternative paths, maintaining service continuity and minimizing disruption.

Cable Construction

A typical cross-section of the Southern Cross cable reveals its robust construction, designed for deep-sea deployment. It includes insulating high-density polyethylene, a copper tube for power transmission, steel wires for structural integrity, and optical fibers embedded within a water-resistant jelly.

The layered structure of the submarine cable ensures both signal integrity and physical resilience:

Outer Protective Layer: Typically includes steel wires for strength and protection against physical damage.
Copper Sheathing: A seamless copper tube that provides a waterproof barrier and conducts electrical power to the repeaters along the cable.
Polyethylene Insulation: A thick layer of high-density polyethylene providing electrical insulation and further protection.
Optical Fiber Core: Contains multiple optical fibers, usually housed in a water-resistant jelly to prevent water ingress and protect the fibers.

Operational Aspects

Resilience to Incidents

Despite traversing geologically active and weather-prone regions, the Southern Cross Cable has experienced relatively few major damage incidents. Notable events include disruptions caused by hurricane-strength storms in Oregon in late 2007, which temporarily halved bandwidth but were mitigated by the system's redundancy. Undersea earthquakes have also impacted components, but redundancy measures ensured minimal service impact.

Surveillance Allegations

Reports emerged in 2013 and 2014 alleging that the owners of the Southern Cross cable were in discussions with the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) regarding potential mass surveillance of internet traffic originating from New Zealand. These claims suggested that the cable's position as a primary data conduit made it a target for intelligence gathering, prompting political debate within New Zealand regarding national security and privacy.

Connectivity Ecosystem

Interconnected Systems

The Southern Cross Cable serves as a crucial hub, interconnecting with numerous other submarine cable systems across the Pacific. These include the Tonga Cable System, the TUI-Samoa cable, the Gondwana-1 system linking to New Caledonia, and the Honotua cable system connecting French Polynesia to Hawaii.

Regional Network Integration

This extensive interconnection strategy enhances the overall reach and resilience of data transmission in the Oceania region. By integrating with systems like the Tasman Global Access and various Australia-Japan cables, Southern Cross Cable contributes significantly to the robust digital infrastructure supporting commerce, research, and communication across the Pacific Rim.

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References

Broadband in for another price fall and capacity boost

Southern Cross committed to Ultra Fast Broadband and National Broadband Network

A full list of references for this article are available at the Southern Cross Cable Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not be exhaustive, entirely accurate, or fully up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for expert consultation regarding telecommunications infrastructure, network engineering, or cybersecurity. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific technical requirements or assessments.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Southern Cross Cable

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System Overview ℹ️

🌊 Trans-Pacific Network

📏 Physical Scale

🏢 Ownership and Operation

⚡ Capacity Milestones

Evolution of Capacity 📈

🚀 Early Development and Upgrades

💡 Technological Advancements

🌟 Southern Cross NEXT

Physical Infrastructure 🏗️

📍 Landing and Access Points

🌐 Network Topology

🔬 Cable Construction

Operational Aspects ⚙️

⛈️ Resilience to Incidents

🕵️ Surveillance Allegations

Connectivity Ecosystem 🔗

🤝 Interconnected Systems

🗺️ Regional Network Integration

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

System Overview

Trans-Pacific Network

Physical Scale

Ownership and Operation

Capacity Milestones

Evolution of Capacity

Early Development and Upgrades

Technological Advancements

Southern Cross NEXT

Physical Infrastructure

Landing and Access Points

Network Topology

Cable Construction

Operational Aspects

Resilience to Incidents

Surveillance Allegations

Connectivity Ecosystem

Interconnected Systems

Regional Network Integration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice