Link 4 Phase-2

Overview

Link 4 Phase-2 is a submarine cable system designed to enhance regional connectivity within Indonesia. Spanning 300 kilometers, the cable links two key locations: Mentigi and Sungailiat, both situated on the islands of Indonesia. Operational since 2005, the system is owned and managed by XLSmart, a telecommunications company serving various regions of the country. Link 4 Phase-2 plays a critical role in supporting local telecommunications and internet services, contributing to the broader infrastructure that connects Indonesia's dispersed islands.

As part of Indonesia's domestic network, the cable helps address the challenges posed by the nation's geography. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia depends on submarine cables to bridge gaps between its communities, ensuring reliable communication and data transfer. Link 4 Phase-2 is a vital component of this effort, providing a stable connection between two significant locations on Indonesia's map.

Route and Landings

The Link 4 Phase-2 submarine cable connects Mentigi and Sungailiat, two coastal towns in Indonesia. Mentigi, located on the island of Lombok, is a growing hub for regional connectivity. Its strategic position near the Lombok Strait makes it a logical choice for a landing point, as the strait serves as a natural corridor for both maritime and data traffic. Sungailiat, on the island of Bangka, is another critical location, known for its role in supporting local industries and communities. By linking these two points, the cable facilitates communication between regions separated by the Java Sea.

The route of the cable crosses a relatively shallow and geologically stable section of the Java Sea, minimizing risks associated with underwater seismic activity. This stability is crucial for maintaining the reliability of the cable. Both landing points are integral to their respective regions, with Mentigi serving as a gateway to eastern Indonesia and Sungailiat supporting connectivity for Bangka Island and its surrounding areas. The cable's presence underscores the importance of localized infrastructure in a nation as geographically fragmented as Indonesia.

Ownership and History

Link 4 Phase-2 is owned and operated by XLSmart, a subsidiary of the Xelcom Group. XLSmart has been a key player in Indonesia's telecommunications sector, providing a range of services to both residential and business customers. The parent company, Xelcom Group, has been active since 1987, building a reputation for delivering reliable communication solutions across the archipelago. The launch of Link 4 Phase-2 in 2005 marked an important milestone in XLSmart's efforts to expand its infrastructure and improve regional connectivity.

The cable's development reflects Indonesia's broader push to modernize its telecommunications network. By focusing on domestic routes like Link 4 Phase-2, XLSmart has contributed to bridging the digital divide within the country. While the cable's current operational status is not explicitly documented, its historical significance and strategic placement continue to highlight its role in Indonesia's telecommunications landscape.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of Link 4 Phase-2 provides valuable insights into its performance. Data collected from six measured corridors reveals a best round-trip time (RTT) of 21 milliseconds, indicating low-latency communication under optimal conditions. However, the average RTT of 225 milliseconds suggests variability in performance, which could be influenced by factors such as network congestion or maintenance activities.

The cable's latency metrics are consistent with its role as a regional system serving localized traffic. The relatively short length of 300 kilometers contributes to its ability to deliver low-latency connections, particularly during periods of minimal network load. These measurements underscore the cable's importance in maintaining efficient communication between Mentigi and Sungailiat, supporting both personal and commercial data exchanges in the region.