Chapter 8, Problem 2E

Program Plan Intro

Backbone network:

• A backbone network (BN) is a type of network that contains a high capacity connectivity infrastructure and it usually includes routers, switches, cabling, and gateway.
• It forms the main link or backbone to the various parts of the network such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and sub networks.

Explanation of Solution

Cables used in BN:

The backbone network uses the following cabling. They are,

• Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable
• Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable
• Fiber optic cable
• Coaxial cable

Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable:

• It is covered by an additional copper braid foil wrapping. This shielding helps to protect the signals on the cables from external interference.
• It is majorly used in Telephone Company to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic induction.
• It is more expensive than unshielded twisted pair cables.
• Example: category 5 STP, and category 5e STP.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable:

• It is covered by the normal copper wire but they do not have metallic shield. This makes the cable small in diameter but unprotected against electronic interference.
• It is majorly used in Telephone Company to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic induction...

Explanation of Solution

Topology used in BN:

Some of the basic types of topology used in BN are as follows:

Star topology - All nodes are separately connected to a central connection point like a switch or a hub...

Explanation of Solution

Network connected with BN:

The backbone network uses “LAN (local area network)” for connection.

• Local area network (LAN) is a collection of small computer or other workstation devices placed within a confined area such as a single room, building or group of buildings by a common cable...