Narragansett, RI: A Quiet Link in the Submarine Cable Network
Narragansett, Rhode Island, might not stand out in the vast landscape of submarine cable infrastructure in the United States, but its role is nonetheless unique. This coastal town is home to the landing point of the **
sea2shore** cable, a short 32 km domestic connection that links Narragansett to
Crescent Beach, also in Rhode Island. While many landing points across the country host multiple cables, Narragansett is singular in its focus, serving as a local connector rather than a gateway to international networks.
The Sea2Shore Cable: A Local Connection
The **sea2shore** cable, operational since 2016, is one of the shortest submarine cables in the United States. Spanning just 32 km, it exclusively connects two points within Rhode Island: Narragansett and Crescent Beach. This domestic cable does not extend internationally, instead serving as a key piece of regional connectivity. It ensures reliable communication and data transfer between these two locations, supporting local infrastructure rather than global ambitions.
This focus on local connectivity contrasts sharply with major landing points elsewhere in the United States. For example, **Boca Raton, FL**, and **San Juan, PR**, each host eight submarine cables, many of which connect to international destinations. Similarly, **Hermosa Beach, CA**, and **Kapolei, HI**, are hubs for multiple cables that span vast distances across oceans. Narragansett, with its single cable, stands apart as a quiet player in a network dominated by larger, more globally oriented points.
Latency and Performance
GeoCables' monitoring data reveals that the **sea2shore** cable delivers reliable performance. With an average round-trip latency of 160 ms across 15 completed checks from 11 source cities, it performs well for its intended purpose. Notably, the best observed latency was just 1 ms, highlighting the efficiency of this short domestic connection. While it cannot compete with the low latencies of international cables linking major hubs, the **sea2shore** cable fulfills its role effectively within Rhode Island.
Narragansett: A Coastal Town with a Historical Footnote
Beyond its role in submarine cable infrastructure, Narragansett carries a unique historical legacy. In the 18th century, it was closely associated with the **Narragansett Pacer**, the first horse breed developed in the United States. This breed, a mix of English and Spanish horses, was renowned for its smooth gait and was owned by notable figures such as George Washington. Though the Pacer became extinct by the late 19th century, its story remains a fascinating chapter in Rhode Island's history.
Today, Narragansett is better known for its beaches and small-town charm than for its role in global connectivity. Yet, the **sea2shore** cable ensures that this coastal community remains connected, supporting local needs and contributing to Rhode Island's broader network infrastructure. While it may not rival the bustling hubs of Boca Raton or Hermosa Beach, Narragansett plays a quiet but steady role in the United States' vast web of submarine cables.