Network backhaul is the high-capacity link that connects your local network infrastructure to the wider internet or central network hub. Think of it as the main pipe carrying all traffic collected from wireless access points, smaller branch networks, or mobile base stations.
In practical terms, if you have multiple WiFi access points throughout your home or office, the backhaul is the primary connection (usually wired) that feeds data between those devices and your router or internet connection. In larger networks, backhaul connects cell towers or remote sites back to the core network.
Why it matters: Backhaul capacity directly affects your network speed and reliability. If your backhaul is congested or slow, no amount of speedy local WiFi helps. You'll experience bottlenecks where data gets stuck waiting to reach the internet.
Common backhaul types:
- Wired backhaul: Ethernet cables between access points. Fast and reliable but requires cabling.
- Wireless backhaul: WiFi or dedicated radio links between devices. Convenient but shares bandwidth with user traffic.
- Fibre or dedicated lines: Permanent high-capacity connections used by ISPs and enterprises.
What you need to know: If you're expanding your network with mesh systems or additional access points, check whether the backhaul uses wired Ethernet (better performance) or relies solely on wireless connections (more convenient but potentially slower). A weak backhaul undermines even excellent access point hardware.