Hoofdnet

Hoofdnet is a Dutch term that denotes the principal network layer within a larger infrastructure, most often in telecommunications and information technology. It is commonly translated as backbone or core network.

The word combines hoofd (head/main) and net (network). In Dutch-language discussions about network design, hoofdnet refers to the central network that interconnects major nodes and services.

In practice, the hoofdnet functions as the backbone, carrying large volumes of data between data centers, regional networks, and service points. End-user access networks connect to it, while it provides resilience through redundancy, diverse routing, and geographically distributed paths.

Technologies often employed include high-capacity fiber-optic links, dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM), high-capacity IP cores, and MPLS-based routing. The backbone is designed for reliability and scalability, with monitoring, failover, and maintenance procedures to minimize downtime.

The term is used mainly in Dutch-speaking contexts and may be applied across sectors, including telecom, data networks, and, in a broader sense, other critical infrastructures that require a central, high-capacity network layer.