Page 76 - DCAP104_EXPOSURE_TO_COMPUTER_DISCPLINES

Unit 4: Introduction of Networks

Notes
Figure 4.10: A VPN Structure

Encrypted Tunnel

4.3.9.1 Internetwork

An internetwork is the connection of two or more private computer networks via a common routing
technology (OSI Layer 3) using routers. The Internet is an aggregation of many internetworks,
hence its name was shortened to Internet.

4.3.10 Backbone Network
A Backbone network (BBN) or network backbone is part of a computer network
infrastructure that interconnects various pieces of network, providing a path for the
exchange of information between different LANs or subnetworks. A backbone can tie
together diverse networks in the same building, in different buildings in a campus
environment, or over wide areas. Normally, the backbone’s capacity is greater than the
networks connected to it.

A large corporation that has many locations may have a backbone network that ties all of the
locations together, for example, if a server cluster needs to be accessed by different departments
of a company that are located at different geographical locations. The pieces of the network
connections (for example: ethernet, wireless) that bring these departments together is often
mentioned as network backbone. Network congestion is often taken into consideration while
designing backbones.
Backbone networks should not be confused with the Internet backbone.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 69