Miramar, PR: A Singular Connection in Puerto Rico
Miramar, Puerto Rico, is home to a single submarine cable landing point that connects the island to the wider world. While its neighbor, San Juan, boasts eight cables and serves as a major hub for international connectivity, Miramar plays a quieter but still meaningful role in the region's digital infrastructure. The cable landing here-Americas-II West-has been operational since 2000 and links Miramar to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Americas-II West cable is the sole submarine cable landing in Miramar. It is part of a chain that includes just one other landing point: St. Croix. This limited chain underscores the cable's specific purpose as a regional connector rather than a global gateway. Unlike the bustling hubs of San Juan or Boca Raton, Miramar's role is more focused, serving as a link within the Caribbean. This cable does not directly connect Miramar to locations outside the region, making it an essential piece of Puerto Rico's domestic and regional connectivity.
Regional Context
Miramar's single cable is modest compared to other landing points in the United States. San Juan, just a short distance away, is a major connectivity hub with eight cables, while locations like Boca Raton, FL, and Hermosa Beach, CA, also host multiple cables. These hubs handle significant international traffic, whereas Miramar is part of a smaller chain that primarily serves regional needs. Nevertheless, Miramar ranks in the top 69% of U.S. landing points by cable count, highlighting its niche but important role.
Latency Insights
GeoCables' unique latency measurements reveal an average round-trip latency of 187 milliseconds for connections to Miramar, with the best observed latency at 135 milliseconds. These figures reflect the cable's regional focus and the relatively short distances involved in connecting Miramar to St. Croix. While not optimized for ultra-low latency, the Americas-II West cable provides reliable connectivity for the area.
Miramar's Role in Puerto Rico
Miramar is not the bustling hub that San Juan represents, but its single cable ensures that this part of Puerto Rico remains connected to the rest of the Caribbean. For a landing point with just one cable, Miramar's role is specialized and regional, supporting local needs rather than serving as a gateway to the global internet. Its connection to St. Croix is a reminder that even smaller landing points contribute to the broader network that keeps communities connected.