Connectivity at Kaweni, Mayotte: A Dual Gateway
Kaweni, located on the island of Mayotte, is one of two submarine cable landing points in this French overseas territory. With two cables landing here, Kaweni plays a distinct role in connecting Mayotte to the broader Indian Ocean region. The cables landing at Kaweni -
Lower Indian Ocean Network 2 (LION2) and
FLY-LION3 - are the foundation of Mayotte's international and regional communications.
The Cables That Reach Kaweni
The LION2 cable, operational since 2012, connects Kaweni to Nyali in Kenya. Stretching 2,700 km, this cable is Mayotte's longest and provides a direct link to the African mainland. It is a key part of the island's international connectivity, supporting internet traffic and data exchange with East Africa.
The FLY-LION3 cable, launched in 2019, is shorter at 400 km but equally significant. It connects Kaweni to
Moroni in the Comoros, establishing a regional link between neighboring islands. This cable enhances Mayotte's ability to communicate and collaborate within the Indian Ocean community, complementing the more distant reach of LION2.
Regional Context: Kaweni's Role
Mayotte's submarine cable infrastructure consists of three cables spread across two landing points: Kaweni and
Mamoudzou. Kaweni is the busier of the two, hosting two cables compared to Mamoudzou's single connection. This makes Kaweni a critical hub for both international and regional traffic, while Mamoudzou plays a more modest role in the island's connectivity landscape.
The cables landing at Kaweni also highlight its strategic position. While Mamoudzou connects to one cable, Kaweni bridges Mayotte to both East Africa and the Comoros, ensuring the island remains integrated with its neighbors and the larger global network.
Latency: Fast and Reliable
GeoCables' monitoring of Kaweni reveals impressive latency statistics. Across 274 checks from eight source cities, the average round-trip latency is 91 milliseconds, with the best observed latency being an exceptional 1 millisecond. These metrics underscore the efficiency of Kaweni's submarine cable infrastructure, ensuring swift and reliable communication for businesses, institutions, and residents.
Why Kaweni Matters
Kaweni's dual-cable setup is integral to Mayotte's connectivity. The LION2 cable provides the island with its primary international link, connecting it to Kenya and, through Kenya, to global networks. Meanwhile, the FLY-LION3 cable strengthens regional ties with the Comoros, fostering collaboration and exchange within the Indian Ocean.
Together, these cables ensure that Kaweni serves as a gateway for Mayotte, balancing global reach with regional integration. For an island reliant on external communication for trade, education, and development, Kaweni's role is both practical and essential. Whether facilitating international business or enabling local partnerships, Kaweni's submarine cables are the conduits that keep Mayotte connected to the world.
Which submarine cables land at Kaweni, Mayotte?
Kaweni, Mayotte has two submarine cable systems landing here: FLY-LION3 and Lower Indian Ocean Network 2 (LION2).
When was the first cable laid in Kaweni, Mayotte?
The first cable to land at Kaweni, Mayotte was FLY-LION3 in 2019.
Which oceans does this submarine cable landing point connect?
Kaweni, Mayotte bridges the Indian Ocean, connecting it to other regions of the world.
What is the current RTT data for Kaweni, Mayotte's submarine cables?
The RIPE Atlas measurements show a recent average Round-Trip Time (RTT) of 23ms with 161 samples available. This reflects the current performance of the submarine cable systems at this landing point.
Why is Kaweni, Mayotte chosen as a submarine cable landing site?
Kaweni's location provides stable geology and strategic access to the Indian Ocean, making it an important part of Mayotte’s international connectivity infrastructure.