Abstract

In today's Internet age information flows across continents as easily as it flows across the office. With so many “point and click” virtual connections, it's easy to forget that the world's communications needs are made possible by real systems, based on fiberoptic cables.^1,2 This comes as no surprise to those of us in the optics community; however, many others underestimate the importance of undersea fiberoptic cables for intercontinental telecommunications. The earth’s continents are connected with a web of undersea fiberoptic cables that join the world’s major population centers. Anyone who makes international phone calls, sends international faxes, or simply surfs the web at sites in other continents uses undersea fiberoptic cables.

© 2002 Optical Society of America