Partly out of necessity but mostly out of curiosity, Durban-based software developer Greg Mahlknecht has personally created a map of the real-life Internet by compiling resources online, and he's released the chart for all to see!
Where does the Internet come from? Well, about 99 percent of Internet traffic in the world travels through large underwater cables, which connect countries and continents. Until now, we've only had a vague idea of where those wires were, but thanks to Greg Mahlknecht, we have a more complete image of how the real-life infrastructure of the Net is arranged.
Interestingly, the map clearly shows the growing online structure gradually supporting Africa's development, particularly on the continent's southern and western regions. Steve Song, a telecommunications expert at the Shuttleworth Foundation, actually maintains a blog on the developing African Internet network, called Many Possibilities.
Global Internet Blueprints
Greg Mahlknecht Compiles a Map of the Master Internet Cables
Trend Themes
1. Real-life Internet Infrastructure Mapping - Opportunity to develop mapping tools that show the most recent infrastructure of the internet and its layout.
2. Growing Online Structure Development - Opportunity for businesses to establish a stable and robust online presence in Africa's developing regions and Southern and Western regions.
3. Underwater Cable Connectivity - Opportunity for businesses involved in the production and maintenance of underwater cables to market their products to meet the growing demand for connectivity in developing regions around the world.
Industry Implications
1. Geospatial Mapping - Opportunity for businesses to develop and implement geospatial mapping tools that help visualize and analyze the internet infrastructure worldwide.
2. Telecommunications - Opportunity for businesses to provide affordable and reliable internet services in developing regions such as Southern and Western Africa.
3. Underwater Cable Production - Opportunity for businesses to produce, operate, and maintain a cost-effective and reliable network of undersea cables to support growing internet demands worldwide.