What Is A Network Backbone?

Date First Published: 12th March 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Network Setups

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 7/10

Learn more about what a network backbone is in this article.

A network backbone is a part of a computer network that interconnects networks and provides a path for the exchange of information between different LANs or subnetworks. Different networks in workplaces and buildings may be connected by a backbone. The purpose of a network backbone is to link networks together.

In a similar way to how a backbone in the everyday world carries signals to a lot of smaller nerves in the body and provides support and balance for the body, a network backbone carries data to smaller transmission lines and provides central support to other networks. An important factor that needs to be considered in the development of backbones is network congestion.

Note:

The internet makes use of a backbone to transfer data over long distances. The internet backbone is made up of multiple high-bandwidth connections that connect a variety of nodes all around the world. The main network cables that connect a number of LANs to each other are referred to as a local backbone.

A backbone can be described as a network of gateways that other essential networks connect to for long-distance communication. In order for points or nodes to be connected to each other, several networking technologies interact. Multiple data transmission methods, including optical fibre, traditional copper, and even wireless technology, connect them together.

History

When traffic was entirely voice, the telephone core network provided the theory, design principles, and early implementation of the backbone network. It was a very important part of a telecommunications network, providing a variety of services to users connected through the access network. One of the key responsibilities was to route phone calls through the use of the PSTN (Public-switched telephone network).