Backbone Networks

Backbone Networks

A backbone network allows several LANs to be connected. In a backbone network, no station is directly connected to the backbone; the stations are part of a LAN, and the backbone connects the LANs. The backbone is itself a LAN that uses a LAN protocol such as Ethernet; each connection to the backbone is itself another LAN.

Although much different architecture can be used for a backbone, we discuss only the two most common: the bus and the star.

1. Bus Backbone

In a bus backbone, the topology of the backbone is a bus. The backbone itself can use one of the protocols that support a bus topology such as l0Base5 or l0Base2. In a bus backbone, the topology of the backbone is a bus. Bus backbones are normally used as a distribution backbone to connect different buildings in an organization. Each building can comprise either a single LAN or another backbone (normally a star backbone).

2. Star Backbone

In a star backbone, sometimes called a collapsed or switched backbone, the topology of the backbone is a star. In this configuration, the backbone is just one switch that connects the LANs. In a star backbone, the topology of the backbone is a star; the backbone is just one switch.

3. Connecting Remote LANs:

Another common application for a backbone network is to connect remote LANs. This type of backbone network is useful when a company has several offices with LANs and needs to connect them. The connection can be done through bridges, sometimes called remote bridges.

 The bridges act as connecting devices connecting LANs and point-to-point networks, such as leased telephone lines or ADSL lines. The point-to-point network in this case is considered a LAN without stations. The point-to-point link can use a protocol such as PPP.