The physical design of a subsea cable network can impact both costs and the long-term viability of the installation. Tolerance to risk, system reliability requirements and budget are key factors that are addressed during the network design phase. The subsea cable network design process includes:

• Enhanced desktop study is a critical review process to address network design and installation requirements and risk tolerances. The study identifies existing/planned cables and seafloor infrastructure in the project area, marine boundaries and lease block boundaries and any other manmade and natural hazards existing on the seafloor.
• Network permitting to address any regulatory and jurisdictional issues or permits required for the network’s projected routing and shore-end landing points.
• Cable route design/survey to identify the optimized routing between defined landing sites. This step in the process will address the technical issues and identify risks and hazards that may affect the system design life. For Oil & Gas projects this step will include a review FEED activities and consider platform connection design solutions.
• Network technology assessment to determine the appropriate fiber type, cable design, transmission equipment and tools for network installation.