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Transcontinental Cable System ["L System"]

The Transcontinental Cable System was developed by ATT Longlines to support defense related communications during the cold war period. The system was deployed in five sequential configurations, designated L-1 through L-5. The system provided hard wire communications paths for key command and control facilities in the continental United States.

Beginning with the L-4 build, the network was designed to withstand a nuclear attack. The "L" system consisted of over 100 "Main Stations" and 1000 repeater vaults, each designed to withstand a nuclear environment. Main stations also were designed complete with generators, blast doors and housing to sustain the staff for a two-week post-attack period. Most of the system was dismantled in the late 1970's and early 1980's as ground based communications networks were replaced by satellite systems.

References

• THE L-4 COAXIAL SYSTEM (How the Bell System helped win the cold war) by Mark Foster