Azure Services Disrupted by Red Sea Cable Damage
Microsoft reported that some of its Azure services experienced disruptions due to damage to undersea cables in the Red Sea. The cable cuts impacted network connectivity, primarily affecting services in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred when multiple subsea cables suffered damage in the Red Sea. While Microsoft didn’t specify the exact cause of the damage, they acknowledged its impact on network infrastructure supporting Azure services. Disruptions involved latency and packet loss issues.
The initial disruption started on Thursday, and Microsoft teams are actively working to mitigate the effects and restore full service functionality. You can check Azure Status Page for continuous updates.
Impact on Azure Services
The cable cuts primarily affected network performance, leading to:
- Increased latency in accessing Azure services.
- Packet loss during data transmission.
- Intermittent connectivity issues for some users.
Microsoft confirmed that a variety of Azure services relying on network connectivity experienced these challenges. The extent varied depending on the specific service and geographic location.
Microsoft’s Response and Mitigation
Microsoft immediately initiated steps to address the issue, which include:
- Routing traffic through alternative cable routes to bypass the damaged sections.
- Optimizing network configurations to minimize latency and packet loss.
- Collaborating with telecommunications providers to expedite cable repairs.
Microsoft stated they’re committed to restoring full service as quickly as possible and providing regular updates to their customers on the progress of the repairs and restoration efforts. They are prioritizing stability and minimal impact to user operations during this process.
