Subsea cables now detect sabotage through light pulses

Companies are working on new technology that can help detect damage and sabotage in subsea internet cables. These cables are crucial because they carry over 95% of global internet traffic. Damage to these cables has been a major cause of internet outages recently. One company, AP Sensing, has created a system that listens for irregular light pulses in undersea fiber optic cables. These pulses can be disturbed by things like a diver touching the cable or a ship's anchor dragging along it. This technique can identify potential threats to the cables. During a demonstration, AP Sensing's global sales manager, Daniel Gerwig, explained that even a light touch on the cable creates a noticeable signal. The system can also identify changes in temperature along the cables, which could mean that a section has been uncovered. The technology needs to be set up at intervals of about 100 kilometers along the cables. It can utilize unused fibers or existing ones that have free channels. However, the detection technology is not perfect and can usually only pick up signals from hundreds of meters away. Many telecommunications companies are developing similar methods due to recent incidents of sabotage linked to Russia's shadow fleet, a group of commercial vessels involved in covert operations. Increasing geopolitical tensions have led to more focus on protecting subsea cables from attacks. In response to these concerns, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Cable Protection Committee launched a new advisory body for submarine cable resilience last year. This group aims to address the growing threats facing these vital internet connections.