How Data Travels the Globe: From Undersea Cables to Satellites and Data Centers
- Amindus Consulting and Solutions
- Nov 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Presented by Amindus Consulting and Solutions
Each time we send an email, stream a video, or search the web, data travels great distances through a network we might not fully comprehend. This post will break down the journey of data, spotlighting the essential roles of undersea cables, satellites, and data centers. By understanding these components, we see how crucial global connectivity is to our daily lives.
The Role of Undersea Cables in Global Connectivity
Undersea cables form the backbone of global internet access. Remarkably, they carry about 99% of international data traffic. Composed of multiple fiber optic strands, these cables transmit data using light signals, enabling high-speed communication between continents.
The installation process involves specialized ships that lay cables on the ocean floor, often under challenging conditions. For instance, the Marea cable, running between Virginia Beach, USA and Bilbao, Spain, stretches 6,600 kilometers and can carry 160 terabits per second. This capacity is equivalent to streaming 71 million high-definition videos simultaneously.
The importance of undersea cables is evident in our daily communications—whether it is a video call, online shopping, or banking. As global data demand continues to spike—projected to increase by 20% each year—upgrading and maintaining these cables is vital for sustaining our global connectivity.
How Satellites Contribute to Data Transmission
While undersea cables dominate data transport, satellites play a critical role, especially in remote regions where laying cables is not feasible. Satellites orbiting Earth receive and send data signals, providing vital internet access, television broadcasting, and GPS services.
A prime example of this technology is SpaceX's Starlink project. With plans to deploy over 12,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed internet to underserved areas, making connectivity accessible for millions globally. This technology has shown success in regions that previously had limited or no internet access.
The combination of undersea cables and satellites creates a powerful network, ensuring that data can be transmitted efficiently, regardless of geographical challenges.
The Importance of Data Centers in Processing and Storing Information
Data centers are the heart of the internet, hosting the servers that process and store the immense amounts of data generated every day. These facilities house powerful computers that manage everything from website hosting to cloud storage.
Data centers are designed for quick and secure data processing. Equipped with advanced cooling systems, they maintain optimal temperatures to prevent overheating, and they have redundant power supplies to ensure stability. In 2023, the global data center industry was valued at approximately $200 billion, underscoring their essential role in our digital world.
As demand for storage and processing skyrockets, companies invest in new technology to make data centers more efficient and environmentally friendly. The energy used by data centers is projected to consume roughly 3% of all global electricity by 2025, prompting innovation in sustainable practices.
The interconnected network of undersea cables, satellites, and data centers creates a seamless flow of information, enabling convenient access to data from anywhere in the world.
Real-World Examples of Data Travel and Its Impact on Daily Life
The journey of data across the globe significantly affects our daily routines. Here are a few relatable examples:
Streaming Services: When you binge-watch on a streaming platform, data travels from data centers through undersea cables or satellites to your device. The streaming quality relies heavily on how efficiently this data transmission occurs.
Online Shopping: E-commerce depends on fast data travel. When you make a purchase, your information is sent to a data center, processed, and then sent back to confirm your order. Around 25% of shoppers now prefer online shopping, making this rapid and effective data flow essential.
Remote Work: The rise in remote work is a direct result of reliable data transmission. Video conferencing tools rely on these networks to connect people across different locations, facilitating collaboration no matter where employees are based.
These scenarios showcase the critical role that the infrastructure behind data travel plays in shaping our everyday experiences. As technology further evolves, we can expect our interactions with data to become even more dynamic and integrated.
The Journey of Data Continues
Exploring how data travels the globe—from undersea cables to satellites and data centers—provides key insights into the technology that connects us all. As we rely increasingly on digital communication, recognizing the importance of maintaining and expanding this infrastructure is more crucial than ever.
The flow of data illustrates human ingenuity and our shared desire for connection. By understanding the complexities of this process, we can truly appreciate the impact technology has on shaping our lives and our world.
Looking ahead, advances in data transmission will continue to change how we communicate and interact, solidifying data's role as a cornerstone of our digital age. The journey of data is ongoing, and its significance will only grow as we move deeper into an increasingly digital future.
