Basic Cablling
What is a backbone?
A backbone is a generic term used to describe media that interconnects a number of computers, segments or subnets.
In its most common form, a backbone is used to connect hubs. Each hub represents a segment on which individual workstations are connected via UTP cable. The hubs from different segments are then connected to each other with thinnet cable. In this case, the thinnet cable functions as the backbone that links the hubs.
In another example, a backbone may be a length of cable that serves as a trunk. Drop cables are attached from the backbone to connect individual workstations.
A backbone is often used to connect networks in separate buildings. Organizations typically use fiber-optic cable for this type of backbone. Thicknet is also used as a backbone.