Definition: The backbone of the Internet is the collection of major communications pipelines that transfer the data from one end of the world to the other. Larger ISP's such as AT&T and Worldcom make up the backbone. They connect through major switching centers called MAE (Metropolitan Area Exchange) and exchange data from each others customers through peering agreements.
Backbone
From Tony Bradley, CISSP-ISSAP, for About.com
Explore Internet / Network Security
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