Backbone Definition

Backbone Definition Just like the human backbone carries signals to many smaller nerves in the body, a network backbone carries data to smaller lines of transmission. A local backbone refers to the main network lines that connect several local area networks (LANs) together. The result is a wide area network (WAN) linked by a backbone connection. The Internet, which is the ultimate wide area network, relies on a backbone to carry data over long distances. The Internet backbone consists of...
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Network Definition

Network Definition Network Definition: A network consists of multiple devices that communicate with one another. It can be as small as two computers or as large as billions of devices. While a traditional network is comprised of desktop computers, modern networks may include laptops, tablets, smartphones, televisions, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and other electronics. Many types of networks exist, but they fall under two primary categories: LANs and WANs. LAN (Local Area Network)...
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Storage as a Service (SaaS) Definition

Storage as a Service (SaaS) Definition Storage as a Service is a business model in which a large company rents space in their storage infrastructure to a smaller company or individual. In the enterprise, SaaS vendors are targeting secondary storage applications by promoting SaaS as a convenient way to manage backups. The key advantage to SaaS in the enterprise is in cost savings -- in personnel, in hardware and in physical storage space. For instance, instead of maintaining a large...
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Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN) A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs). Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.
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Storage Networking

Storage Networking Storage networking is the practice of linking together storage devices and connecting them to other IT networks. Storage networks provide a centralized repository for digital data that can be accessed by many users, and they use high-speed connections to provide fast performance. It's most common to find storage networks in enterprise settings, although some vendors do sell networked storage products for consumers and small businesses. Storage Networking and SAN The phr...
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