How does data sent over the internet know where to go? - eviltoast

I saw a map of undersea internet cables the other day and it’s crazy how many branches there are. It got me wondering - if I’m (based in the UK) playing an online game from someone in Japan for example, how is the route worked out? Does my ISP know that to get to place X, the data has to be routed via cable 1, cable 2 etc. but to get to place Z it needs to go via cable 3, 4?

  • KillingTimeItself@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    2·
    8 months ago

    I’m no expert but it seems like the most efficient way with the given technology! The hops between routers are much less frantic than (I think) you’re imagining.

    not just this, it’s also worth considering that laying cables is expensive, so you better damn well use them. A system like this also ensures a very wide range of pathing. And in turn, a very spread out use pattern.