Backhaul—in broadcast— refers to the transport of raw video content from a source (a remote vehicle or camera site) to the broadcast stations where production, packaging, and redistribution may occur.

Wireless backhaul is the use of wireless communications systems to get data from an end user to a node in a major network such as the Internet or the proprietary network of a large business, academic institution or government agency. In other words, it is the intermediate wireless communication infrastructure that connects smaller networks with a primary network.

Backhaul also refers to the transmission of network data over an alternative wireless route when a regular route is unavailable or overtaxed. Some use backhaul to send non-live audio and video content to distribution points at major broadcast news organizations.

The term “wireless” refers to telecommunications that use electromagnetic waves, as opposed to a hardwire, to carry signals over part or all of a communication path. A node is defined as a connection point in a communications network that is capable of receiving, creating, storing, or sending data along distributed network routes.