Topic arose in class.  Item is currently trending in a niche I.T.
forum, which references another niche forum (Quora).

Undersea cable maps are a quick visual for one of the big pieces of
what really happens to comprise a "global internet".

Sources:
* http://www.quora.com/How-are-major-undersea-cables-laid-in-the-ocean/
  + Click "more" for full answer)
  + PDF of forum thread also attached
  + Handy for some pictures, links are expanded below
* http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/531334


Laying fiber "landlines" is quite a production, as you know
(though not all in the class(es) will—
* http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/OSP/install.html  (...among others)

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Undersea cables maps, because people relate quickly to visuals:
* http://www.cablemap.info/
  + Individual cables are clickable

* http://www.submarinecablemap.com/
  + As above, individual cables are clickable

* More map links at the Wikipedia reference below


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Expanded links from the Quora thread—

Cable Ships:
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_layer

Submarine Communications Cable:
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_communications_cable
   (also, has links to more visual maps)

Installation Method:
* http://www.k-kcs.co.jp/english/solutionInstallationMethod.html

eMarine Services Cable Photographs:
* http://www.emarine.ae/en/index.php?page=image-gallery

Subcom - the only US company that does underwater (submarine) cables:
* http://www.subcom.com/tyco.aspx

Aboard Alcatel undersea cable ship (photos):
* http://news.cnet.com/2300-1035_3-10004733.html

"Undersea Cable"
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1JEuzBkOD8

"Repair Animation of Undersea Cable"
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHYdJnm14O0

(Book) Thread Across the Ocean
* http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060524464


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Well outside the core group interest of the class is an article from
Wired circa 12/1996... a chronicle of laying the longest cable:
  * Mother Earth Mother Board
     http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/4.12/ffglass_pr.html  (long!)


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Hope this helps!