Backbone

The English term backbone implies the core area of a network, which connects smaller sub-networks with one another. Since the data rates of all end users are bundled in a backbone network, particularly high data transmission rates are required, which are usually implemented via fiber optic lines. A backbone router connects separate systems within this network and has very strong processing capability and large storage space. A backbone or core switch is also part of a backbone and serves as a gateway for a wide area network or the internet. Also the core switch needs to have a very high capacity to handle the load sent to it.