backhaul

The portion of a hierarchical telecommunications network that is made up of intermediate links between the core or backbone of the network and the small subnetworks at its edge. For example, the local subnetwork connects a cell phone with a cell tower and the backhaul includes all the connections between the cell tower and the cellular provider. Backhaul carries traffic back and forth.

The backhaul link provides the connection between the Access Point (AP) and Itron applications and is typically the highest capacity data link in a network. In Itron Enterprise Edition (IEE) Meter Data Unification and Synchronization (MDUS) system curtailment programs, backhaul refers to the process of transmitting data beyond its normal destination point and then back again to better utilize personnel or network equipment not located at the destination location. It can also refer to transmitting from a remote site or network to a central or main site.