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Collapsed Backbone
Last Updated: August 18, 2011
Definition - What does Collapsed Backbone mean?
A collapsed backbone is a large-scale and centralized network topology comprised of multiple local area networks (LAN).
Collapsed backbones use star or rooted tree topology and are best suited to virtual network architectures with peer-to-peer (P2P) network communication.
Techopedia explains Collapsed Backbone
Network backbones are distributed or collapsed. Traditional LANs connect via distributed backbone cables. Collapsed backbones use high-speed backplane switches to connect virtual Point-to-Point (PPP) LAN networks.
Collapsed backbone advantages include:
- Requires fewer devices
- Eliminates backbone cabling installation costs
- Provides scaled station bandwidth
- Provides tightly centralized equipment administration
Collapsed backbone disadvantages include:
Requires extra cabling
- Requires more expensive devices
- Limited distance capabilities
- Redundancy
- Not feasible for multiple buildings
