What is Internet Backbone? How Global Network Works

Each time a user views an HD movie clip, sends an e-mail message, or even connects to some computer somewhere in the world, a massive amount of data gets transferred worldwide within a millisecond or two. 

Although everyone thinks about the internet as the intangible cloud hanging right above their heads, the truth is that the internet works thanks to tangible and fast infrastructure built all over the planet and underwater as well. 

Researching the internet backbone means learning more about the amazing infrastructure that transfers world traffic non-stop.

Internet Backbone: What is it? 

The internet backbone is the core digital network infrastructure composed of primary data routes connecting different countries and oceans. It is not a property of one corporation or state; rather, it comprises interconnected networks run by big commercial telecom companies and organizations.

Core components of the infrastructure consist of:

• High-Speed Fiber Optics: Hundreds of strands of fiber glass cables transferring data packets at the speed of light via laser light signals.
• Submarine Cables: Huge submarine cables placed at the bottom of the oceans and carrying more than 95% of world telecommunications traffic between continents.

Data Transfer Through the Internet

Initiation of a web page query launches a very fast physical journey through many levels of networks:

• Local ISP: User’s computer transfers data packets through Wi-Fi, cell towers, or a cable connection to a local internet service provider.
• Regional Connection: Packets are transferred by the local ISP to regional centers where heavy traffic is directed to interconnection points.
• Backbone: Core networks transfer the data long distance or across oceans directly to the destination server.
• Returning Response: The server processes the query and transfers the packets back along optimal routes.

Who Owns and Runs the Internet Backbone?

Major telecommunications providers, referred to as Tier 1 providers, operate the majority of the core networking facilities:

• Tier 1 Networks: The providers that exchange traffic without charge through peering without any need to pay for the transit.
• Redundant Design: If there is a break in the cable or an electricity outage in an exchange, the traffic is automatically switched to other paths.

Conclusion

The internet is not the mysterious wireless cloud, but a gigantic physical network connecting the whole world. Investigating the internet backbone helps one understand how optical fibers, Tier 1 networks, and subsea cables cooperate to transmit data immediately around the globe.

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