Difference between Segment and Backbone in network

Backbone and segments are important concepts in network design, even though the two are not very related. A network segment is a logical division of a local network, often linked to other segments by routers or bridges. On the other hand, a backbone is a high-bandwidth link, used to transmit traffic between networks or over large physical distances. Some network designs have individual segments connected by a backbone.

Segment performance

Networks are often divided into segments for performance reasons. For example, bridges and routers can be used to divide the network into collision domains. Two devices are in the same collision domain, if the network traffic they send is likely to collide. Having several small collision domains instead of one large domain reduces the risk of data loss due to collisions. Routers can also create broadcast domains, saving network bandwidth by reducing the number of devices an individual machine can communicate with at the same time.

Segment security

Segments can also be used to further increase network security. When a computer is compromised by hackers, all devices in its network segment are at risk. If the entire network is actually one large segment, this means every device on the network is at risk. However, dividing the network into smaller segments and separating each segment with a firewall means that compromising an individual machine will only put a small number of computers at risk.

Backbone

Network backbones are used to connect local area networks (LANs) together, forming a wide area network (WAN). The technology and scale behind the networks vary widely, with some networks being used to connect just a few buildings and some spanning across the country. Backbone connections typically run at the highest speed of any network element, because they typically carry the most traffic. A backbone that does not meet the network's bandwidth needs can create speed bottlenecks, reducing network performance.

Internet backbone

The term 'backbone' is closely associated with a specific example: Internet backbone. Extremely high-bandwidth intercontinental connections are used to facilitate the huge amounts of data that move between countries every day. These connections are handled by Tier 1 Internet Service Providers, who sell space on their networks to the ISPs that consumers use to connect to the Internet. Without these backbone links, the Internet is just an unfeasible concept.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 28 October 2023