Considerations in Design and Laying a New Undersea Fiber Optic Cable

Despite the rapid growth in utilization of satellites for transoceanic telecommunications, submarine coaxial cable systems continue to provide a reliable, secure and cost effective medium for voice and data transmissions. With the development of high-capacity fiber optic submarine cable systems, transoceanic cables are becoming even more attractive for commercial and military communications. AT&T is currently planning for the installation of a major portion of the first transoceanic fiber optic cable system known as TAT 8. TAT 8 will have a single landfall in the United States and two landing points in Europe. The total capacity of TAT 8 can be as great as 37,800 virtual voice channels. Following a brief overview of the new AT&T SL Undersea Lightwave Cable System design, this paper presents a discussion of some of the considerations for laying and testing the new system. Sea trial results obtained to date are reviewed.