Final answer:
The network backbone connects routers to more efficiently route data and is a central part of the network infrastructure, designed to transmit data at high speeds across different parts of the network.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best answer to complete the following sentence: The network backbone __________, is option 2) connects routers to more efficiently route data. A network backbone is a central conduit designed to transfer network traffic at high speeds. It connects different segments of a network, which may include routers and switches, and is critical for relaying data across various parts of the network. Contrary to option 3, a network backbone is not limited to being local or small; it can be expansive and part of large-scale networks. Option 4 is misleading because the internet could be considered a type of backbone, but the backbone itself is a more specific part of network infrastructure within various types of networks, including the internet.