Business Data Communications and Networking, Eleventh Edition

CHAPTER 7

BACKBONE NETWORKS

THIS CHAPTER examines backbone networks (BNs) that are used to link LANs together and to link BNs to WANs. We begin with the various types of devices used in BNs and discuss several backbone architectures. The chapter ends with a discussion of how to improve BN performance and of the future of BNs.

OBJECTIVES

• Understand the internetworking devices used in BNs
• Understand several common backbone architectures
• Be familiar with gigabit Ethernet
• Understand the best practice recommendations for backbone design
• Be aware of ways to improve BN performance

CHAPTER OUTLINE

7.1 INTRODUCTION

7.2 BACKBONE NETWORK COMPONENTS

7.2.1 Switches

7.2.2 Routers

7.2.3 Gateways

7.2.4 A Caution

7.3 BACKBONE NETWORK ARCHITECTURES

7.3.1 Backbone Architecture Layers

7.3.2 Switched Backbones

7.3.3 Routed Backbones

7.3.4 Virtual LANs

7.4 THE BEST PRACTICE BACKBONE DESIGN

7.5 IMPROVING BACKBONE PERFORMANCE

7.5.1 Improving Computer and Device Performance

7.5.2 Improving Circuit Capacity

7.5.3 Reducing Network Demand

7.6 IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

7.1 INTRODUCTION

Most business organizations realize that information must be stored, retrieved, analyzed, acted on, and shared with others ...