fiber-optic networks

A screenshot of the interactive Submarine Cable Map, which tracks active and planned submarine cable systems and their landing stations according to the Global Bandwidth Research Service.

What links the global Internet? Wires inside tubes no bigger than a garden hose.

Technology

If you think your life is getting ever more wireless, think again. The Internet connections the world relies on still cross the globe thanks to cables laid along the sea floor. And while terrorism isn’t yet a major threat to their health, dropped anchors or human carelessness are.

Fiber optic cables

US Internet speeds lag their international peers, but some cities are taking action

Technology