--- title: "What is backbone network?" description: "What is backbone network?" author: "Allen Scott" published: 2017-11-14 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/30561/what-is-backbone-network category: "technology" tags: ["computer networking"] reading_time: 4 minutes --- # What is backbone network? What is backbone [network](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/23267/establishing-network-connections-and-other-fun-things-to-do-with-ethernet-cables)? ## Answers ### Answer by Harshal Vispute **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. --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/30561/what-is-backbone-network Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.