The Future of Submarine Cable : Research Topics and Emerging Technologies

Submarine cables are crucial for global communication and energy infrastructure, underpinning international connectivity and the shift towards sustainable energy systems. They facilitate high-speed internet access, communication, and energy transmission—key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and infrastructure development. This study aims to identify key research topics and emerging technologies in the field of submarine cables by employing bibliometric methods, including co-occurrence network and trend analysis of keywords from 576 scientific articles published between 2018 and 2023. The analysis reveals five primary research topics: 1) optical communication; 2) cable structure and characteristics; 3) power cables, offshore systems, and wind farms; 4) marine environment; and 5) marine technology. The study also highlights several emerging technologies with potential for further development in submarine cable networks, including: 1) Space Division Multiplexing (SDM); 2) Multi-Core Fiber (MCF); 3) Multi-Mode Fiber; 4) High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC); 5) Cable monitoring and protection; and 6) Science Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunication (SMART) Cables. These findings offer insights into future research directions and technological advancements in submarine cable systems.