The Internet backbone refers to the high-capacity network of data routes and connections that forms the core of the Internet. It consists of large, powerful routers and high-speed fiber optic cables that transmit vast amounts of data across long distances. This infrastructure is essential for connecting various smaller networks, allowing them to communicate with each other. Major telecommunications companies, often called Internet Service Providers (ISPs), own and maintain the backbone. They ensure that data can travel efficiently between different regions and countries, enabling services like streaming, online gaming, and web browsing to function smoothly for users around the world.