Mar 08 2024, 09:18
With Houthis attacking Red Sea data cables, how resilient are India's internet lifelines:
Houthi rebels are suspected of attacking undersea internet cables in the Red Sea, disrupting key routes and cutting the internet off for millions. This episode brings serious concerns for India.
A couple of days back, news filtered in that the Houthis, a Yemeni militia, had allegedly cut undersea internet cables, amid continuing tensions in the region.
Though the group denied it, the episode has highlighted the need to protect a new front in times of conflict: the so-called Wet Net - the vast network of submarine fibre optic cables, each around 1.2 inches in thickness- that forms the bedrock of modern digital life.
As many as 14 cables run through the Red Sea, with the attack targeting key routes connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Disruptions in Asia-Africa-Europe 1, Europe India gateway, Seacom and TGN-GULF cables could slow down communication between India and countries in the Middle East.
That is how things turned out as well, according to a Globes report. "We can confirm all our network backbones and protected services remain unaffected. Amid cable cut or snag, we are able to automatically reroute services," Tata Communications, which runs the Seacom-TGN- Gulf line, replied to our query.
India's existing infrastructure does provide some redundancy. Undersea cables on both the east and west coasts offer some protection against disruptions in specific regions, preventing a complete nationwide internet blackout.
But a country as large as India can still be vulnerable to targeted and coordinated action from the likes of the Chinese, who have been ramping up influence in the Indian Ocean. That underlines the need for adding further layers of redundancy.
Exploring alternative routes, such as terrestrial connections through friendlier neighbouring countries remains an option, along with additional undersea cables through less vulnerable paths. A backup infrastructure, such as additional landing points for undersea cables, along with satellite internet, can provide alternative routes.
source: et
Mar 08 2024, 09:22