Backbone
A large transmission line that carries
data gathered from smaller lines that
interconnect with it. At a local level,
a backbone is a line or set of lines that
local area networks connect to for a wide
area network connection or within a local
area network to span distances efficiently
(for example, between buildings). On the
Internet or other wide area network, a
backbone is a set of paths that local
or regional networks connect to for long-distance
interconnection. The connection points
are known as network nodes or telecommunication
data switching exchanges (DSEs).
Glossary of IP
Communications
