What does the abbreviation "E/W" refer to in relation to communication networks?

The abbreviation "E/W" in the context of communication networks stands for "East/West." This terminology is often used to describe network configurations, routing protocols, or the geographical orientation of communication links and infrastructures within a network. When discussing network architecture or data routing, referring to East/West communication indicates the flow of data between nodes that are typically located within the same data center or between closely located facilities.

In contrast, communication networks may also involve North/South traffic, which refers to the data flow between different data centers or external networks. Thus, understanding the East/West designation helps clarify the dynamics of traffic within a localized segment of a network, focusing on inter-node communication as opposed to outside network interactions.