Microsoft Azure, one of the world's leading cloud computing platforms, is experiencing notable service delays due to a series of undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea.
These disruptions impact internet traffic routing, particularly in the Middle East, causing slower response times for users relying on Azure services.
Undersea cables, often called the backbone of the internet, transmit vast amounts of data across continents.
Damage to these cables can have a ripple effect across nations, slowing down connectivity and cloud services like Azure.
What caused the undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea?
Microsoft has not clarified the cause behind the damages to the cables near the Red Sea. Historically, undersea cables can be severed accidentally by ship anchors or intentionally via sabotage.
Previous incidents in the region suggest that geopolitical tensions may play a role, although no party has definitively claimed responsibility this time.
The nearby waters off Saudi Arabia’s coast, particularly near Jeddah, have seen repeated cable damage incidents.
Earlier in 2024, warning signs were raised about possible sabotage linked to regional conflicts.
The cables’ sensitive location makes them vulnerable to both environmental hazards and human interference.
Did you know?
Undersea cables carry over 95% of the world's internet data, making them critical to global connectivity.
How is Microsoft managing traffic delays due to the cuts?
Microsoft has rerouted affected internet traffic through alternate routes to mitigate the impact. However, this rerouting is causing increased latency for Azure users whose data traffic passes through this region.
The company reassures customers that Azure traffic is not passing through the Middle East and remains unaffected. Still, users depending on this region may see intermittent delays amid ongoing cable repair efforts.
These repairs could take days or longer given the complexity of undersea cable maintenance.
ALSO READ | Why is Russia banning WhatsApp and Telegram calls now?
Undersea cable damage impacts global internet traffic
Undersea cables transmit the majority of global internet data, so disruptions in one area often affect multiple countries.
Recent reports indicate that the cable cuts have also caused internet service issues in countries like the United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan.
Organizations like NetBlocks have monitored these outages closely, highlighting the broad ripple effects from Red Sea disruptions.
Internet providers in affected regions have issued warnings about potential slowdowns during peak usage times.
Previous cable attacks have disrupted regional connectivity
Such incidents are not isolated. Earlier in 2024, a series of suspected sabotage attacks targeted cables in the Red Sea and the Baltic Sea, disrupting data traffic between Asia and Europe.
Experts fear that geopolitical conflicts are increasingly threatening critical internet infrastructure.
Swedish authorities recently seized a ship accused of deliberately damaging a Baltic Sea cable, underscoring the risks these cables face.
The strategic importance of undersea cables makes them potential targets amid rising global tensions.
The situation highlights how vital and fragile the global internet backbone is, prompting calls for improved protection and monitoring of undersea cable networks.
Comments (0)
Please sign in to leave a comment