CeltixConnect-1 (CC-1)

Overview

CeltixConnect-1 (CC-1) is a regional submarine cable system that links Dublin, Ireland, with Holyhead, United Kingdom. Spanning a distance of 131 kilometers across the Irish Sea, the cable became operational in 2012. Owned and operated by EXA Infrastructure, CC-1 provides a critical data transmission route between the two neighboring countries. Its relatively short length and strategic location make it a vital component of the regional telecommunications infrastructure, supporting fast and reliable connectivity for businesses and consumers alike.

Designed to handle high-capacity data traffic, CeltixConnect-1 plays a key role in facilitating economic and digital integration between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The cable's low latency and robust design ensure its suitability for demanding applications, such as financial transactions, cloud computing, and media streaming. Its deployment reflects the growing need for resilient and high-speed communication links in the Irish Sea corridor.

Route and Landings

CeltixConnect-1 connects the eastern coast of Ireland with the western coast of the United Kingdom. The cable lands at two primary locations: Dublin, Ireland, and Holyhead, United Kingdom. Dublin, as Ireland's capital and largest city, is a major hub for international internet traffic and home to numerous data centers. The city’s strategic importance in global telecommunications makes it a logical choice for the cable’s Irish landing point.

On the UK side, Holyhead, located on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, serves as the landing point. Holyhead is a key gateway for maritime and data traffic between the two nations, offering proximity to major population centers in both Wales and England. The Irish Sea, which the cable traverses, is a relatively shallow body of water, making it an ideal location for submarine cable deployment. This route is part of a broader network of cables that enhance connectivity between Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe.

Ownership and History

CeltixConnect-1 is owned and operated by EXA Infrastructure, a company specializing in the management of submarine and terrestrial cable networks across Europe. The cable was ready for service in 2012, marking a significant milestone in improving direct connectivity between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Since its launch, CC-1 has contributed to the region’s growing demand for high-speed, low-latency communication links.

The deployment of CeltixConnect-1 reflects the increasing importance of Ireland as a global data hub. With its favorable business environment and concentration of multinational tech companies, Ireland has become a focal point for international telecommunications. The cable also complements other systems in the region, providing redundancy and ensuring network reliability. EXA Infrastructure’s stewardship of CC-1 underscores its commitment to maintaining robust and efficient data routes in Europe.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of CeltixConnect-1 reveals that the cable operates across 321 measured corridors, offering a best round-trip time (RTT) of 20 milliseconds and an average RTT of 46 milliseconds. These metrics highlight the cable’s ability to deliver low-latency connectivity, which is critical for applications requiring real-time data transfer, such as financial trading and video conferencing.

The performance of CeltixConnect-1 is consistent with its role as a high-capacity, regional submarine cable. The Irish Sea corridor it spans is a vital link for data traffic between Ireland and the UK, and the cable’s operational efficiency ensures that businesses and consumers on both sides benefit from reliable and fast internet services. Our probes indicate that the cable continues to meet the demands of modern telecommunications, supporting the digital economies of both nations.