FIBER-OPTIC CABLES NOT EASY TO BREAK?? ***pic***

Posted By: FromTheReader'sRoom
Date: Friday, 1 February 2008, 11:51 p.m.

In Response To: THIRD UNDERSEA INTERNET CABLE CUT IN MIDEAST (Guarded_Optimist) RMN Readers Room
Posted By: jborges

I have read that the anchor from a fishing trawler was responsible for the damaging of one of these undersea fiber-optic cables. I find that hard to believe.

From the pic below:

The optical fibers seem to be well-protected, I would think that the fishing trawler would capsize first before the cable would break but then what do I know, I am not an expert. (Hey, but I am an expert at sleeping standing up but that is another story. )

Cross-section of a submarine communications cable.

LAYERS:

1--Polyethylene
2--"Mylar" tape
3--Stranded metal (steel) wires
4--Aluminum water barrier
5--Polycarbonate
6--Copper or aluminum tube
7--Petroleum jelly
8--Optical fibers

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