Netzinfrastrukturen

Netzinfrastrukturen (network infrastructures) refer to the physical and logical foundations that enable data communication between devices, networks, and services. They include transmission media, access networks, core networks, data centers, and the software and protocols that manage routing, addressing, and security.

Transmission media include fiber-optic cables, copper wires, wireless spectrum, and satellite links. Access networks connect end users to the wider network, using fiber to the home, cable, DSL, and mobile wireless. Core networks provide high-capacity interconnections between regions and networks, using routers and dense optical links. Data centers host applications and data, supported by edge computing and content delivery networks to improve performance.

Key technologies and standards include IP-based routing, BGP and OSPF, and software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV). Submarine cables, 5G/6G, Wi‑Fi, and IPv6 are central to modern network infrastructures.

Governance and security: Operators, service providers, and regulators manage these infrastructures, guided by standards from ITU, IETF, and IEEE. Security and resilience rely on redundancy, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity measures to protect service continuity and critical infrastructure.

Economic and social aspects: They enable telecommunications, commerce, public services, and media. Investments and policy decisions influence coverage, prices, and digital inclusion, while environmental considerations focus on energy use, cooling, and efficiency.

History: The infrastructure has evolved from copper and analog networks to fiber, IP routing, broadband access, and mobile and edge technologies that form today’s global Internet.