RETN, an independent global network services provider, has indicated that its analysis of network diagnostics reveals the February 2024 cable disruptions in the Red Sea had a far more extensive impact than initially thought. Initially believed to have affected 25% of data traffic flowing between Europe and Asia, the actual level of disruption is closer to 70%, according to the company.
This information, derived from both RETN’s diagnostics and feedback from major ISPs in Southeast Asia, is detailed in their newly published report titled “Building the Networks of Tomorrow: Engineering Reliability for Long-Term Success.” The report highlights the pressing need for a more robust global network infrastructure.
“We find ourselves at a pivotal moment, as the existing network framework fails to meet the requirements of an evermore interconnected world,” stated RETN CEO Tony O’Sullivan in the report.
He emphasized that factors including ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and the Strait of Malacca, natural disasters, and cybersecurity threats present serious challenges that could jeopardize global networks.
The severed cables in these areas highlighted the risks associated with dependence on single points of failure for vital data transmission, underscoring the importance of having varied network pathways to prevent extensive disruptions.
“If the few cables connecting entire nations are damaged, those countries could be left digitally isolated,” he noted in the report.
O’Sullivan emphasized that substantial long-term investments are necessary to maintain network robustness.
“It’s fundamentally about making sure you have enough diverse routes and a network framework that enables quick scaling if there are prolonged outages on certain paths,” he clarified. “Additionally, it involves effective capacity planning to ensure that your network isn’t consistently operating at full capacity.”
O’Sullivan highlighted that the industry’s obsession with cutting costs and a short-sighted approach has resulted in significant vulnerabilities. He pointed out the heavy dependence on just a few ultra-high capacity cables, primarily controlled by over-the-top (OTT) service providers like major technology firms, which have divergent network needs compared to traditional telecom operators.
This lack of infrastructure diversity has heightened the potential for widespread disruptions, according to his analysis.
In response to these risks, RETN has expanded the number of network routes it operates, particularly in areas with heightened geopolitical tensions, such as the Red Sea and Southeast Asia.
“We are broadening the number of network routes across all regions, while paying particular attention to those with greater risks,” he stated.
As O’Sullivan emphasizes, the firm’s approach is centered not only on broadening its subsea cable networks but also on making substantial investments in terrestrial routes. “Whenever feasible, we commit significantly to terrestrial routes alongside subsea ones, despite the additional costs involved, as our primary focus is on optimizing network performance over price.”
Additionally, the company is exploring a diversified network strategy aimed at boosting network resilience. This strategy ensures that traffic can be efficiently redirected during any disruptions. “We are not only looking at diversity in terms of ‘these two routes are distinct,’ but also ensuring that they ideally navigate through various regions characterized by different risk assessments,” he noted.
Further insights on subsea cables:
