Submarine Technology
Design Basics
- Performance designed to better than relevant ITU-T specification throughout system life
- The interface card specification is S-64.2b and can reach approximately 40 km when used at 1550nm on G.652 fibre
- Equipment protection channel on a 16+1 basis
- Remote Management via 1353SH Network Management System
- Signal is optically amplified by submerged repeaters spaced at approximately 42 km
- North 160 repeaters, South 175 repeaters
- System design considered control of gain, non-linear effects and chromatic dispersion
Enhanced Cable Design OALC-4 SPDA, DAH and SAH
- Three types of enhanced cable specially designed for Apollo based on proven technology
- Used on both European and US continental shelf
- Best protection against armour wire penetration
- Good optical performance
- 10 tonne improvement (200%) in crush resistance for SPDA
- 5 tonne improvement (100%) in crush resistance for DAH and SAH
Submarine Route Planning
From the very early stages of planning, excellent reliability and best in class customer service on the Apollo network was a key requirement. It was recognised that repairing submarine cables can be a costly and lengthy process and Apollo took every possible precaution to guard against the effects of various recognised hazards. These hazards, such as fishing nets, ships’ anchors, and various recognised submerged topology hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes, were thoroughly researched via an exhaustive desktop study which identified suitable cable routes.
Apollo consulted with various fishing communities and ensured that the marine routes were designed in conjunction with these associations. This consultation work will continue throughout the marine installation and operational phases of Apollo’s life.
Upon completion of the desktop study, the proposed routes were meticulously surveyed along the ocean seabed using the latest survey and burial assessment technology to ensure that optimum route engineering and cable type selection was made.
"Sun-Illuminated" Bathymetry
Ground breaking "Sun-Illuminated Bathymetry Plots" aided optimum plough route selection during the planning and construction of the cable system. The use of these plots assisted Apollo in achieving the lowest plough down time for an Atlantic cable. This is just one example of how the latest developments in technology has ensured that Apollo is the world’s most advanced transatlantic submarine fibre optic cable system.
