You may have come across the term backhaul while dealing with networking, especially when setting up big and complex networks. These days, backhauls are important when setting up mesh Wi-Fi networks at home as well. The idea of backhauling connections is primarily used in the context of mobile networks as well.
In this article, I will tell you about backhaul in networking, especially focusing on how it would come in handy while setting up mesh networks.
What Is Backhaul?
In the general context of networking, a backhaul is a high-capacity, low-latency connection between a core network and an access network. This connection enables high-speed data transfer between these networks without taking up the bandwidth of the end-user network.
The connection between your Wi-Fi router and the modem is an example of a (wired) backhaul connection. In this example, the modem is the core network, and the Wi-Fi network is the access network.
In the case of mesh Wi-Fi networks, a backhaul refers to the connections between the different nodes in the network, including the central node. The different nodes (also called satellites) need to communicate with each other in order to maintain a single network across your home/office.
Why Do We Need Backhaul?
In mesh Wi-Fi systems, backhaul plays an important role. Some examples are:
- Nodes in a mesh network use the backhaul for seamless communication and signal management. As a result, end-users can enjoy an uninterrupted Internet experience.
- Backhauls also provide each node with the necessary signal resources. Nodes will use these resources to expand the coverage of the mesh Wi-Fi network.
- Wired and wireless backhaul in mesh networking can also improve the general performance of the Wi-Fi network. It helps with device and app prioritization for beginners.
- Backhaul systems also have a positive impact on the idea of connected homes and devices. Backhaul connections are also great at managing high-data-throughput situations.
In essence, backhaul connections make mesh Wi-Fi networks the convenient option they are. Without using backhaul, you cannot enjoy features like seamless roaming within a mesh Wi-Fi network. Nor would you be able to place all the nodes far away from each other.
In the context of general networking, however, backhaul connections serve other purposes as well. They are integral in increasing network reach and adding a reliability layer. A backhaul connection can also help reduce latency and improve the network speed in many networking instances.
How Does Backhaul Work?
In general networking, a backhaul works by connecting two networks: a core network and an access network. Here, the access network could be the Wi-Fi router network, whereas the core network is the Internet. As you can guess, a backhaul becomes a necessity for the access network to access the core network. You can’t access the Internet through the Wi-Fi connection without the backhaul between the router and the modem.
In mesh Wi-Fi networking, a backhaul connects different nodes (satellites) in the network, allowing data to move across the network. In doing so, the mesh Wi-Fi network can have more extensive coverage compared to a conventional Wi-Fi network. One important difference here is that a backhaul connection within a mesh system does not travel beyond the local network. Instead, it is restricted within the local nodes.
Mesh Wi-Fi networking backhauls help with redundancy and resiliency as well.
Aspect | Mesh Networking Backhaul | General Networking Backhaul |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Connects mesh nodes within a local network | Connects local/access networks to core/backbone |
Scope | Internal (within a home, office, or building) | External (between access networks and the internet) |
Technologies | Wired (Ethernet), Wireless (Wi-Fi) | Fiber, Ethernet, Microwave, Satellite, Copper |
Role | Ensures seamless coverage, redundancy, and internal routing | Aggregates and transports data to/from the backbone |
Resiliency | Self-healing, reroutes within mesh | Redundancy via multiple backhaul paths |
As you can see, you can use different backhaul technologies in different contexts.
Types of Backhaul
In its earliest times, backhaul was possible only through wired mediums, such as Ethernet and coaxial. Other media were not capable of transferring data and bandwidth. However, following the drastic improvement of Wi-Fi, wireless backhauls are also possible.
Wired Access Backhaul
A wired access backhaul uses a wired connection to link the core network and access network. In the context of a mesh Wi-Fi network, a wired connection will be used to link the different nodes.
In general networking, many wired methods could be used for backhauling connections. The options include Ethernet and MoCA, the latter of which uses coaxial cables existing in the network infrastructure. Some may also use Powerline networking to create backhauls between multiple access networks. However, industries nowadays prefer Ethernet and fiber-optic options that deliver better performance and reliability.
In mesh networking, however, wired backhauls are widely used for dedicated resources. In this method, all connected nodes will receive signals from the central node, improving the overall speed and bandwidth. It is great when you want wired-like performance from one of the mesh nodes in the network. It is an optional feature, but compatible mesh Wi-Fi nodes will have an Ethernet port on them.
Wireless Access Backhaul
A wireless access backhaul will use a wireless connection (mostly Wi-Fi) to link the core network and access network. A mesh Wi-Fi network will use the technology to allow different nodes to talk to each other.
In general networking, a wireless access backhaul is used in situations when setting up a wired backhaul is tricky. For instance, you may not want to set up additional Ethernet/coaxial cable at your office. Similarly, it may not be possible to set up a wired connection for long-range communication. In these cases, one form of wireless access backhauling will come in handy, and these methods use licensed mmWave bands.
In mesh networking, however, wireless access backhaul is the norm and is used by almost every mesh Wi-Fi system out there. These backhaul connections enable the individual nodes of a mesh Wi-Fi system to talk to each other and create a single free-roaming network. These communication instances also help the network in self-configuration and self-healing.
Wired Vs Wireless Access Backhaul
Wired and wireless access backhaul options offer advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the differences and making the right choice is important when you want the best from your network. Let’s quickly compare these two options. We have already explained the basic differences between the two options. We will now look at some aspects like latency, security, costs, etc.
Feature | Wired Access Backhaul | Wireless Access Backhaul |
|---|---|---|
Connection Type | Physical cables (Ethernet, fiber optic) | Wireless signals (microwave, Wi-Fi, mmWave, etc) |
Bandwidth | Higher, supports large data volumes | Lower, varies with technology and distance |
Latency | Lower (faster response times) | Higher (more delay, especially at range) |
Reliability | More reliable, less interference | Less reliable, weather/interference prone |
Security | More secure (harder to intercept) | Less secure (signals can be intercepted) |
Cost | Higher (cabling, installation) | Lower (no cables, faster deployment) |
Deployment | Slower, requires physical infrastructure | Rapid, ideal for remote/temporary setups |
Use Cases | Urban, high-traffic, permanent networks | Rural, temporary, backup, disaster relief |
Bandwidth
Wired access backhaul is capable of handling higher bandwidth, making it a great option for large volumes of data. So, if you are planning a connection that needs to handle a lot of data, you should go for a backhaul using a wired medium.
Wireless access backhauls, on the contrary, offer relatively lower bandwidth options. In the case of a mesh Wi-Fi system, a wireless access backhaul can handle only a certain amount of data, meaning that nodes kept at a distance will offer less speed and bandwidth.
Latency & Reliability
Latency is where you find the most significant differences between wired and wireless access backhaul. With wired backhaul, you don’t have to worry about latency. You can expect the best the connection can offer, and these connections are as reliable as they get. So, wired backhaul connections are the norm for latency.
On the other hand, wireless access backhauls struggle when it comes to latency and reliability. Because they deal with wireless signals, latency issues are not uncommon. Signal issues can cause problems with reliability as well.
Setup & Costs
Though wired access backhaul offers multiple advantages in terms of reliability and speed, the high costs for setup and maintenance make it a less desirable option. For instance, setting up an Ethernet backhaul is not easy if the infrastructure does not already exist. Even after the setup, wired backhaul maintenance can be a bit.
Wireless access backhaul, on the other hand, is the cheapest to set up and maintain. In the case of mesh Wi-Fi networks, you don’t even have to worry about infrastructure. Because these nodes are designed to work with Wi-Fi signals, an additional band would do the job. At the same time, many Wi-Fi routers now pack an additional band for backhaul.
I should also note the flexibility that a wireless access backhaul offers compared to a wired one. A wireless backhaul allows you to keep the nodes at any location within typical Wi-Fi coverage. It even means keeping the node in a nearby room next to a brick wall.
Wired and Wireless Access Backhaul Use Cases
Here are some insights on when to use wired and wireless access backhaul connections. Keep in mind that these suggestions apply only to mesh Wi-Fi networks. The situations may vary for cellular networks.
You should use a wired access backhaul if,
- You want to set up a backhaul connection in an office space that already has Ethernet infrastructure.
- You don’t want to compromise speed or bandwidth, regardless of the number of devices you have.
- You want the best content streaming speed (multiple 4K) across your network (in all rooms, let’s say).
You should use a wireless access backhaul if,
- You do not want the hassle of setting up Ethernet cables throughout your house for networking.
- You are setting up the mesh Wi-Fi to ensure better coverage across your place, not for speed.
- You have an open space without obstructions.
By the way, you may also want to try a hybrid backhaul configuration, where you use both wired and wireless options at the same time. I recommend this option if you have a multi-story building, for instance. I would rather have a wireless backhaul set up on the first floor and keep things wired near my workstation.
Conclusion
I believe we have covered everything you should know about backhaul in networking, especially mesh Wi-Fi networking. Whenever possible, I have covered some technical aspects of backhaul as well. Something I look forward to in this sector is the increasing promises from the wireless sector, especially in terms of speed and bandwidth. I really dream of a day when I don’t have to worry about Ethernet cables just because I need the best speeds. Until then, I’d need a hybrid backhaul system.
