What is backbone network?

Asked 14-Nov-2017
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A backbone or core network is a component of a computer network that connects networks and provides a conduit for data to flow between LANs or subnetworks. A backbone can connect multiple networks within a single building, across multiple buildings on campus, or across large distances. The capacity of the backbone is usually greater than the capacity of the networks linked to it.

If a server cluster needs to be accessed by different departments of a firm situated in different geographical areas, a major corporation with numerous locations may have a backbone network that connects all of the sites together.

The network backbone refers to the components of the network connections (for example, ethernet, wireless) that connect these departments. When constructing backbones, network congestion is frequently taken into account.

The Internet backbone is an example of a backbone network.

When traffic was solely voice, the telephone core network provided the theory, design principles, and early implementation of the backbone network. The core network was the heart of a telecommunications network, providing a variety of services to clients connected through the access network. One of the key responsibilities was to route phone calls via the PSTN.

The word was originally used to describe the high-capacity communication networks that connect key nodes. The sharing of information between different sub-networks was facilitated via a core network.

A distributed backbone network is a network that connects a number of connected devices to a hierarchy of central connectivity devices, such as hubs, switches, or routers.

Because more layers of devices can be added to existing layers, this architecture allows for easy extension and little capital outlay for growth.

Every device linked to a distributed backbone network shares the transmission media, as all transmissions sent on that network are sent to every device connected to that network.

A traditional backbone network connects numerous locations across a long distance to offer interconnection. The links are usually the backbones, while the switching and routing duties are handled by the equipment at each point. It's a system with a distributed architecture.

A collapsed backbone network design is sometimes known as an inverted backbone or a backbone-in-a-box. Each location has a link back to a central location that is connected to the collapsed backbone in the case of a collapsed backbone. A cluster or a single switch or router might serve as the collapsed backbone. A collapsed backbone has the topology and architecture of a star or a rooted tree.

For an enterprise-wide network, there are a few different types of backbones. A parallel backbone is the best choice for enterprises searching for an extremely powerful and reliable backbone. In that it uses a central node, this backbone is similar to a collapsed backbone (connection point). Although, when there are many routers or switches, a parallel backbone allows for duplicate connections.

Because parallel backbones require more cabling than other network topologies, they are more expensive than other backbone networks.

A serial backbone network is the most basic type of backbone network. Serial backbones are made up of two or more internet working devices connected in a daisy-chain arrangement by a single cable. A daisy chain is a collection of serially connected connection devices. To extend a network, hubs are frequently joined in this manner.

Hubs, on the other hand, aren't the only devices that can be linked in a serial backbone. Backbone components include gateways, routers, switches, and bridges. Although the serial backbone topology might be used for enterprise-wide networks, it is rarely used for that.