Modern telecommunications networks are divided into five network levels: from central data centers via the backbone network and regional networks to the last mile, which connects customers directly, and the end devices that enable the use of various services. This structure ensures efficient and secure communication, illustrates the technical complexity and the importance of continuous innovation in our connected world.

The data center

The first network level forms the backbone of the telecommunications network and consists of data centers that serve as central nodes for processing, storing and distributing data. These highly secure and highly available facilities house a variety of servers and storage systems that support a wide range of services, from cloud computing and web hosting to large databases and applications.


Technical aspects:

  • Redundancy: To ensure high availability, critical system components such as power supply, cooling and network connections are designed redundantly.
  • Scalability: Data centers are designed to grow with demand by adding additional resources such as computing power and storage as needed.
  • Security: Physical and digital security measures protect against unauthorized access, data loss and cyberattacks.

The backbone

The second network level, also known as the backbone, includes the high-performance transmission paths that connect data centers, Internet nodes and larger network nodes. This layer forms the core network, which is responsible for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances.


Technical aspects:

  • High-speed transmission: Backbone networks use advanced transmission technologies such as DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) to transmit data at very high speeds.
  • Redundancy and reliability: High network availability is achieved through the use of redundant paths and automatic switching in the event of faults.
  • Scalability: The backbone network is designed to be easily scaled by adding capacity or expanding infrastructure.


View products

The regional networks

The third network level consists of regional networks that provide the connection between the backbone and the local distribution networks. This layer includes regional data centers and distribution nodes that bring services closer to the end customer and enable local data processing.


Technical aspects:

  • Access technologies: Regional networks use various access technologies such as DSL, cable modem or fiber optic to ensure broad coverage and connectivity.
  • Network topology: The topology of regional networks is often designed as a star or ring network to optimize efficiency and resilience.
  • Traffic Management: Regional networks implement advanced traffic management and optimization techniques to minimize latency and maximize bandwidth utilization.


View products

The access network

The fourth network level, also known as the access network or last mile, establishes the physical connection between the regional networks and the end customer locations. This layer includes the infrastructure and technologies needed to connect end customers directly to the telecommunications network.


Technical aspects:

  • Access technologies: Access technologies include copper lines (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optic connections (FTTH, FTTB) and wireless connections (LTE, 5G).
  • Network equipment: Specific equipment such as modems, routers or ONTs (Optical Network Terminals) are used at the handover point to the customer.
  • Quality assurance: Quality assurance mechanisms such as QoS (Quality of Service) ensure a reliable quality of service for the end user.


View products

The end devices

The fifth and final network layer includes users' end devices, such as smartphones, tablets, PCs and other networked devices that are connected to the telecommunications network via the access network. This layer is responsible for directly interacting with the services and applications delivered over the network.


Technical aspects:

  • Device diversity: Endpoints include a wide range of device types with different operating systems and capabilities.
  • Security: Endpoints implement security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software and regular updates to ensure the security of data and user privacy.
  • Configuration and management: Endpoint devices require configuration and management processes to ensure optimal performance and connectivity.