# What are the key components of internet infrastructure?

The physical infrastructure that supports global data transmission, often referred to as the internet backbone, can be owned by commercial entities, government bodies, or academic institutions. This backbone transmits substantial quantities of data and comprises the following components:

* **Fibre optic cables**: These cables are critical for major data routes, providing high-speed data transmission. Submarine cables laid on the seafloor for intercontinental data transmission are essentially fiber optic cables with protective casing.
* **Routers and Switches**: These guide data packets between computer networks, handling traffic operations. Each router is connected to at least two networks.
* **Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)**: These are physical locations where different networks (like ISPs or CDNs) exchange internet traffic.
* **Network Access Points (NAPs)**: As an alternative to connecting via an IXP, ISPs can directly link their networks through a peering arrangement, referred to as a NAP.
* **Data Centers**: These are extensive facilities that host servers, storage, and other telecommunication equipment.
* **Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)**: Geographically distributed networks of proxy servers that improve performance by locating servers closer to internet users
* **Satellites**: Primarily used for providing internet access to areas lacking terrestrial internet infrastructure such as remote islands (or planes in flight)


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