Case Study: Southern Cross Cable Network achieves faster cable threat detection and rapid repair with FiberSense DigitalAsset

SCCN pioneers DigitalAssetTM threat detection service to rapidly detect and mitigate unseen risks to its critical Sydney network

Southern Cross Cable Network (SCCN), a leading provider of trans-Pacific internet capacity, sought a solution to protect its critical underground fiber optic cables in Sydney from the constant threats of construction and excavation. Their challenge was to move from a reactive posture, where cable breaks were only identified after a service disruption, to a proactive one to ensure 24/7 service continuity for its customers. To address this, SCCN partnered with FiberSense to deploy its DigitalAsset™ threat detection service.

The FiberSense solution implemented vibration detection and ranging (VID+R) technology to turn the fiber cables into sensors that provide 24/7 monitoring and early warnings of nearby threats. This allowed SCCN to proactively dispatch patrols to prevent damage. The results were significant, with the system recognizing 4,281 unplanned threats in one year, all of which were avoided. The solution also provided precise GPS mapping of assets and enabled rapid location and repair of any cable breaks, drastically reducing potential downtime and saving millions.

Southern Cross Cable Network

Neville Flainke

Manager, Technology and Customer Support