Amazon Web Services (AWS) is set to construct a significant 420 terabits per second (Tbps) subsea cable linking Japan and Washington State, enhancing the connectivity for AI workloads and increasing the trans-Pacific network’s capacity. Named the Sta’O’Nuk cable, this ambitious project is expected to be operational by 2029, utilizing 20 fiber pairs to facilitate high-bandwidth applications such as distributed training for large language models, financial transactions, edge computing, and video streaming.
The new cable system will create a strategic landing point for AWS, connecting trans-Pacific traffic with a newly planned landing station in Ocean Shores, Washington. This station is designed to initially support up to four subsea cable systems, with the potential for future expansion.
As AI data centers proliferate across various regions, the networks that connect this computational power are becoming increasingly integral to the overall infrastructure development. AWS plans to couple the new subsea cable with a terrestrial network that links it to major data hub areas in the Pacific Northwest.
Historically, hyperscalers like AWS have been among the biggest users of subsea cables, particularly before the recent surge in AI demands. Experts, such as Jimmy Yu of Dell’Oro Group, believe that the growing needs of AI will further increase the demand for terrestrial and submarine network capacity.
Highlighting the importance of connecting to major data center hubs, AWS’s choice of a Washington landing point is seen as essential for improving connectivity and enhancing network resilience. As AI models grow in size and complexity, there will be a pressing need for substantial data transport across distributed training clusters, which elevates the importance of network infrastructure in supporting these advanced computing capabilities.
The planned landing station, developed by Toptana Technologies, will serve as a pivotal juncture near the coast, enhancing access to terrestrial fiber networks and supporting major data markets in Seattle and Hillsboro, Oregon. This facility represents the first new cable landing station in Washington in over 25 years and is a part of an Indigenous-owned telecommunications infrastructure initiative, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development within the community.
AWS emphasized the value of geographical diversity offered by the Sta’O’Nuk cable, as it provides an alternative route for trans-Pacific traffic amidst a network that is predominantly centered on the California and Oregon coast. By diversifying the landing points and making logistical connections more efficient, AWS seeks to mitigate risks associated with cable cuts, which typically arise from fishing activities and anchor drags.
To ensure security and resilience, the cable will be protected with quantum-safe optical encryption and additional layers of security throughout. AWS is strategically considering the physical route of the cable, planning for burial in vulnerable sections and applying advanced techniques to safeguard the structure where it approaches land.
In summary, the Sta’O’Nuk cable illustrates AWS’s proactive approach in adapting to the escalating demands of AI infrastructure by not only expanding data center capacity but also enhancing network connectivity essential for contemporary computational workloads. As these investments unfold, they will facilitate a comprehensive AI ecosystem supported by robust terrestrial and international connections.
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