Serial
Even though the smallest of Lan's have a backbone: NETWORKING GUIDE TO NETWORKING 5TH EDITION PAGE, 201
Yestrue
Backbone Cabling
im going to assume your talking about computer networking which in this case would be RISER. In ceiling would be plenum
Parallel Backbone
Yes a monotreme does have a backbone because it is a type of mammal and a mammal is a vertebrate.
The software you use doesn't effect how you connect to any geographic region.That has to do with the internet backbone.
Ethernet is a good choice for networking.
orthopedist
Those networking devices ,which not require any type of power (electricity) are called passive networking device,like passive HUB ,its does't require any type of power for working.
Backbone cabling
You need to start with the basics,a backbone for your system.That's a router to distribute your broadband to all of the devices you intend to network.