In the complex world of network architecture, resilience and diversity are pivotal in ensuring robust, uninterrupted services. Each concept plays a critical role, and their greatest potential is unlocked when they work together.

Resilience refers to a network’s ability to maintain an acceptable level of service in the face of various faults and challenges. Strategies to enhance resilience include implementing redundancy, which involves the presence of duplicate elements within the network infrastructure. This redundancy ensures continued operation and reliability, even when one component fails.

Diversity in network design means incorporating a variety of routes, vendors, technologies, and access points to prevent single points of failure. It involves using distinct and physically separate paths, technologies, or providers for network connections. This strategy is crucial for mitigating risks that could lead to widespread network failures, enhancing the network’s reliability and resilience against failures, including natural disasters or intentional attacks.

How Resilience and Diversity Complement Each Other

The synergy between resilience and diversity is particularly effective. For example, a network that not only has multiple pathways to reroute traffic (resilience through redundancy) but also uses different technology providers for these pathways (diversity) is far more robust. Such a network is better equipped to remain operational under multiple types of failures. The combination of diversified resilience strategies—where the methods for achieving resilience are themselves diverse—ensures that networks can withstand complex, unpredictable challenges.

Businesses must evaluate their current network structures and identify areas for enhancement to integrate resilience and diversity effectively. Key steps include conducting a thorough risk assessment, developing a plan that incorporates diverse technologies and providers, and regularly testing network resilience to ensure all systems function as expected when disruptions occur.

Resilience and diversity are foundational to strategic network planning. By understanding and deploying both, businesses can create networks that are not only robust and reliable but also prepared to handle the evolving challenges of the digital landscape.

The Perfect Point of Presence for Your Network

At NJFX, we exemplify the principles of resilience and diversity, making our facility an ideal point of presence (PoP) for your network. As the first carrier-neutral cable colocation and landing station in New Jersey, we have over 35 network carriers and 4 susbea cable systems that can provide unique connectivity network architectures that incorporate diverse routes and redundant systems ensuring unmatched reliability and connectivity. Partnering with NJFX grants you access a global platform that supports robust, secure, and resilient network operations.

In a world increasingly driven by data and connectivity, the importance of robust digital infrastructure cannot be overstated. This year at International Telecoms Week (ITW) 2024 hosted by Capacity Media, industry leaders and innovators gathered for an insightful Fishbowl Panel to discuss which routes are most influential in expanding subsea connectivity — that’s 99% of all intercontinental internet traffic.

Andy Bax, Senior Partner, Digital Infrastructure – Cambridge Management Consulting (moderator)

Wilfried Dudink, Strategy & Development, Network Service Providers – Digital Realty

Gil Santaliz, CEO – NJFX

Kapil Kumar Jain, VP & Global Head Network – Tata Communications

Noah Drake, President & Managing Director – Telstra

Monica Martinez Quero, Chief Marketing Officer– Telxius

Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Subsea Connectivity

Andy kicked off the panel with a vibrant introduction of the participants, emphasizing the comprehensive expertise gathered. “We’ve all been in the business; we’ve been there, done that. We’ve run operations, we’ve built systems, we’ve developed networks,” Andy explained. He underscored the importance of smaller cable systems, posing to the panel, “What role do they play today? What role might they play in the future?”

Monica Martinez Quero, CMO at Telxius, took the lead, articulating the significance of smaller cable systems. “These systems connect less populated areas with less demand, serving as vital links for growing markets,” Monica said. She highlighted the San Juan project, extending from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico and onto the United States, as a pivotal development in bridging high-capacity gaps in the Caribbean.

Monica further described the Junior cable, a 390-kilometer submarine system connecting Rio de Janeiro to Santos, which plays a critical role in routing traffic from Argentina to Virginia Beach in the U.S. “These cables are a part of the bigger topology map in the industry and play a big role due to their strategic positions and capabilities,” she added.

Acknowledging Monica’s insights, Andy reflected on the broader implications. “People often think about small systems as being regional, connecting small populations. But they are a different part of the ecosystem, integral to our global infrastructure.”

Gil Santaliz, CEO of NJFX, brought to light the strategic importance of the Confluence Cable System, a pivotal infrastructure project enhancing connectivity along the East Coast of the United States. “The Confluence Cable is providing an alternate path connecting five key landing stations—Boca, Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, and Wall, New Jersey,” Gil explained. He emphasized the system’s role in offering failover capabilities and addressing the aging infrastructure challenges traditionally handled by highways and railroads. “By avoiding the congested right-of-way issues, this system not only supports inter-country but also intra-country traffic, enhancing the technological landscape significantly,” he added.

Noah Drake, President & Managing Director at Telstra, then shifted the focus towards regional connectivity and its impact on underserved populations. “The regional systems play a critical role, especially in the South Pacific, where we bridge the digital divide through a mix of subsea, wireless, and satellite technologies,” Noah noted. Reflecting on Telstra’s acquisition of Digital South Pacific, he highlighted collaborative efforts with governments to make these projects viable, emphasizing the synergy between commercial interests and social responsibilities.

Kapil Kumar Jain, VP & Global Head Network at Tata Communications, expanded on the discussion by linking the functionality of small cable systems to broader network resilience. “On both the East and West Coasts of the U.S., these smaller systems provide crucial alternate connectivity,” Kapil pointed out. He detailed how, during simultaneous disruptions of major routes, smaller systems facilitate a mesh ecosystem that maintains network integrity. “These cables are integral to our industry’s future, potentially increasing to represent 30-40% of our ecosystem within the next five years as we aim to connect digitally divided regions,” he projected.

As the panel discussion revealed, small submarine cable systems are more than mere supplements to their larger counterparts; they are vital components that ensure robust, resilient, and inclusive global connectivity. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate logistical challenges but also paves the way for a more interconnected and equitable future.

Wilfried Dudink, Strategy & Development, Network Service Providers at Digital Realty, reflecting on the evolving landscape of connectivity hubs in the Mediterranean, emphasized the emergence of new key locations beyond the traditional hubs like Marseille. “Cities like Barcelona, Genoa, Rome, Crete, Athens, and Tel Aviv are becoming significant connectivity hubs, aided by both terrestrial and innovative subsea cable technologies,” he stated. This diversification is seen as a vital strategy for enhancing regional connectivity resilience.

Andy Bax then broadened the discussion to address the challenges facing the industry, including the shortages in cable ships and manufacturing capabilities. “We’re witnessing a surge in demand for both large-scale and small, regional interconnector cables that offer diversity,” Andy noted. He highlighted ongoing issues such as the shortage of cable ships and the slow pace of scaling up manufacturing post-COVID, which are compounded by the need for dual-purpose ships that can both install and repair cables.

Kapil contributed insights into the operational hurdles, “The balancing act between installing new cables and repairing existing ones creates a complex operational scenario. Moreover, there’s a push towards sustainability, demanding that end-to-end cable delivery aligns with eco-friendly practices.” He shed light on the aging fleet of cable ships, with many nearing the end of their service life, underscoring the need for investment in new, sustainable technologies for future developments.

The conversation then shifted towards the impact of geopolitics on the subsea cable industry, a topic further explored by Noah Drake and Gil Santaliz. Noah discussed the strategic delays and challenges posed by permitting processes and geopolitical tensions. “The industry is not just about managing physical resources but also navigating regulatory and political landscapes,” Noah explained.

Gil provided a deeper perspective on how geopolitical tensions are fostering innovation within the industry. “The demand for additional resilience has led to the development of Layer 1 SDN platforms, enabling dynamic switching between subsea cables, thus enhancing the monetization of these assets,” Gil detailed.

Wilfried added that geopolitical shifts are prompting the exploration of new routes, “The current geopolitical climate is pushing the industry to develop alternative routes, enhancing global connectivity diversity.” This includes potentially transformative routes from APAC directly to South Africa and across the Arctic.

Andy reflected on the broader implications of these challenges. “Addressing these issues isn’t just about overcoming technical obstacles but also involves enhancing cooperation between governments and private stakeholders to ensure the deployment of sustainable, resilient infrastructure.”

Adapting to the Evolving Demands of Subsea Cable Infrastructure

Kapil elaborated on the challenges faced by the industry due to recent cable damages and the complexities involved in repair processes. Highlighting the extended downtime, Kapil expressed concern over the industry’s responsiveness to unforeseen incidents, “It’s been two and a half months since the cable cuts, and without permits, we can’t even begin repairs. This situation forces us to rethink traditional routing and introduces substantial challenges but also opens opportunities for innovative solutions.”

The panel also discussed the broader implications of these delays, emphasizing the need for more robust infrastructure and faster response strategies to maintain global connectivity. Andy added perspective on the role of hyperscalers and traditional carriers in building redundancy into their networks. “Hyperscalers are pushing the boundaries, not just focusing on route diversity but also on path and system diversity, which is increasingly important as we aim to ensure resilience in our global networks,” Andy noted.

Wilfried touched upon the development of new connectivity hubs in the Mediterranean, expanding the geographic diversity and resilience of the network infrastructure. “The emergence of new hubs in locations like Barcelona and Tel Aviv represents a strategic evolution, offering alternative routes that enhance the overall robustness of our connectivity solutions,” Wilfried observed.

The conversation shifted to technological advancements that could mitigate some of these challenges. Kapil adding that the deployment of Layer 1 SDN might revolutionize how traffic is managed across these networks. “With SDN technology, we can automate the rerouting process, which currently relies heavily on manual intervention. This could significantly enhance our operational efficiency and reduce downtime during outages,” he proposed.

Andy directed the panel’s attention towards future developments in fiber technology and system capacity. “As we build larger cables with higher fiber counts, we need to consider the long-term implications of these developments on our networks and the global connectivity landscape. How do we manage the increased capacity, and what does it mean for the overall durability of our infrastructure?” Andy questioned.

The panelists discussed the potential for multicore fiber technologies to double the capacity of existing systems without adding more fiber pairs, a critical consideration as the industry seeks to expand capacity while managing the complexities of repair and maintenance.

The panelists delved deeper into the technical, operational, and geopolitical challenges facing the subsea cable industry, exploring strategies to navigate these complexities while fostering innovation and resilience in global connectivity.

The Future of Transatlantic and Global Subsea Networks

Kapil highlighted the ongoing and future challenges in the transatlantic routes, noting the proliferation of new, high-capacity cables. “As we look to the next three to four years, we may see multiple cables with 16 to 25 fiber pairs becoming available in the Transatlantic. However, integrating these cables to create a resilient network remains a puzzle, particularly in Europe,” Kapil reflected. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to interconnect these diverse routes to ensure robust and redundant network architectures.

Andy responded to Kapil’s insights, focusing on the necessity for direct fiber restoration over mere capacity routing. “What Confluence is aiming to do on the East Coast of the U.S. needs to be mirrored along the entire coast of Europe to ensure seamless fiber restoration,” Andy added, underscoring the importance of comprehensive connectivity solutions that can adapt to unexpected disruptions.

Wilfried shared a specific example from Crete, where multiple cable landing stations are being connected to a central facility to facilitate switching between cables, enhancing network flexibility and resilience. “The project in Crete reflects a broader necessity for integrated infrastructure that can support the dynamic needs of the subsea community,” Wilfried noted.

The panel then opened the floor to questions from the audience, leading to a lively discussion about the investment challenges and educational gaps surrounding subsea cable systems. Andy tackled the overarching challenges facing the subsea community, particularly the need to elevate the industry’s profile to attract investment and governmental support.

Gil addressed the logistical and environmental challenges of deploying subsea cables, highlighting the delicate balance between development and local regulations. “The pushback from local communities and the high costs imposed by municipalities can significantly complicate development efforts,” Gil explained.

The session concluded with a consensus on the critical role of education and collaboration in overcoming the challenges faced by the subsea cable industry. The panelists underscored the importance of raising awareness about the strategic value of subsea cables and fostering partnerships to support sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.

In the stillness of an early morning, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore faced an unforeseen catastrophe—a cargo ship, having lost power, veered uncontrollably towards the bridge’s pillar. Amid emergency procedures, anchors were dropped in a futile attempt to halt the vessel’s momentum. The lights on the ship flickered, and as a dark plume of smoke ascended, the inevitable occurred. The collision resulted in a massive portion of the bridge succumbing to the water below in mere seconds, a vivid testament to the unpredictable forces at play.

This tragic incident underscores the indispensable need for resilient connectivity solutions in our increasingly interconnected world. Located at the strategic confluence of international subsea cables and terrestrial networks, NJFX’s carrier-neutral colocation CLS is designed to ensure that connectivity remains uninterrupted.

A notable aspect of NJFX’s robust offerings is the alternative route provided by United Fiber & Data (UFD), which bypasses the now-vulnerable Baltimore region, ensuring a secure and direct pathway to Ashburn, Virginia. This thoughtful infrastructure planning embodies NJFX’s deep commitment to upholding the continuity and reliability of secure infrastructure, emphasizing the critical nature of having resilient connectivity solutions in place.

The abrupt collapse of the Baltimore bridge serves as a poignant reminder of our physical infrastructure’s vulnerabilities and the cascading effects such failures can have on connectivity. In response, NJFX’s strategic foresight in crafting a resilient connectivity ecosystem emerges not just as a measure of preparedness but as a necessity. By facilitating secure, reliable network pathways that adeptly circumvent potential vulnerabilities, NJFX ensures that the networks we depend upon remain resilient, robust, and never down.

For a deeper understanding of NJFX’s pivotal role in enhancing global connectivity resilience, visit our Customer Benefits. 

The digital infrastructure of Latin America is on the brink of a major overhaul, with subsea cables playing a pivotal role in this transformation. A panel of industry experts, including CEOs, EVPs, and senior analysts, came together to discuss the future trajectory of these essential components of the global internet backbone. Here’s a closer look at the participants and the key takeaways from their discussion.

Participants:

Gil Santaliz, CEO at NJFX
Maurice Traverso, EVP at Sparkle
Alexander Salomon, RVP Brazil Sales at Infineria
Enrique Lozoya, Network Investments Manager – Americas at META
Carmine Sorrentino, VP Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at Liberty Networks
Peter Wood, Senior Research Analyst at TeleGeography

 Key Takeaways:

1. There’s a consensus on the urgent need to replace subsea cables that were built in 2002 and earlier. The industry is moving towards adopting new cables with advanced technology to ensure seamless connectivity between Latin America and North America.

2. Simply upgrading the equipment of existing cables is insufficient. The panelists pointed out that new cables with higher fiber counts and technological advancements offer far superior performance, which is necessary to meet the increasing demand for data and bandwidth.

3. Over-The-Top (OTT) providers are at the forefront of developing new subsea systems. Their efforts are expanding the network’s reach beyond Brazil to Argentina, Chile, and potentially Peru, showcasing a significant shift in infrastructure development and investment.

4. Highlighting specific initiatives, Liberty Media, in collaboration with Gold Data, is working on expanding the US-Mexico and Central America subsea network. Their focus on reducing latency is critical for real-time data applications, enhancing the region’s connectivity.

5. The responsibility falls on both users and operators to ensure their network’s resilience. Having access to multiple cables and backhaul options is essential for maintaining network uptime, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure.

6. The panel discussed the unpredictable impact of AI on network infrastructure and the growth of hyperscale data centers in Latin America. These data centers, increasingly powered by renewable energy, are poised to drive further demand for subsea cable expansion.

The discussions by these industry leaders offer a roadmap for the future of Latin America’s digital infrastructure. As the region gears up for a major transition, the focus on technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and sustainability will be key to ensuring its connectivity with the global digital economy.

Wall Township, NJ – Today, NJFX Utility Service LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NJFX, announced the successful acquisition of key infrastructure assets from SubCom LLC, originally developed in 2001. This acquisition comprises bore pipes and conduits situated in Manasquan and Avon, NJ. This offers purpose built underground access to the NJFX Wall CLS Campus. These critical infrastructure assets required maintenance, which involves use of complicated and scarce marine expertise. 

Starting in September 2023, NJFX engaged with several marine contractors providing necessary maintenance to these assets, to prepare them for another 25 years, which is the useful life of a subsea cable. This included proofing bore pipes with divers that have underwater welding capabilities.  The number one priority is always life safety which makes this an expensive maintenance exercise in preserving US Critical Infrastructure.

Ryan Imkemeier, the CLS Manager at NJFX, highlighted the collaboration’s depth with HDD and MCC (Marine Contractors and Consultants) to ensure seamless operations, he stated, “We’ve worked closely with our contractor to ensure there are no hiccups. Delays can become costly, and it’s our priority to prepare thoroughly to avoid any potential issues.”

NJFX supports AquaComms who lands in one of the four acquired bore pipes with its Havfrue/AEC-2 cable, connecting the US to Denmark, Norway, and Ireland. Other significant customers of the NJFX Campus include Tata Communications who owns TGN 1 & 2 connecting to the United Kingdom and Seaborn Networks, which owns the Seabras-1 cable connecting Wall, NJ to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Gil Santaliz, the CEO of NJFX, further emphasized the investment’s significance, “We have invested close to $2 million to ensure these critical assets are ready for the next 30 years of use. This not only demonstrates our commitment to maintaining robust infrastructure, but also to securing New Jersey’s position in the future of transatlantic connectivity.”

Currently there are over 574 active and planned submarine cables reported by TeleGeography in January of 2024.  This includes fourteen transatlantic subsea cables on the east coast of the United States with seven of these cables being considered modern (these include ACE-1, Havfrue/AEC-2, Grace Hopper, Amitie, Marea, Dunant, and EXA Express) with at least 15 years of useful life supporting voice, data, and cloud connectivity. There are 870,000 miles of subsea routes globally with projects like 2Africa, Bifrost and Echo being deployed in the next coming years. These subsea systems solve for topics ranging from geopolitical concerns to economic development for countries who need to be connected and participate in the digital economy.

This acquisition of these assets strengthens NJFX’s role in global communications by restoring transatlantic connectivity infrastructure.

About NJFX:

Located in Wall, NJ, NJFX is the innovative leader in carrier-neutral colocation and subsea infrastructure, setting a new standard for interconnecting carrier-grade networks outside any major U.S. city. Our campus hosts over 35 global and U.S. operators, including multinational banks that rely on us for their “never down” network strategies. The NJFX campus is also where the major cloud operators have their global backbones physically connecting to transatlantic cables to Europe and South America. NJFX customers requiring transparency and true diversity can interconnect at a layer one level with their preferred network connectivity partners.

Media Inquiries, please contact:

Emily Newman | PR & Marketing Manager | [email protected]