Backplane module for electrically connecting a plurality of functional modules, and modular communications system

A backplane module for coupling a plurality of function modules, comprising:

• a base body,
• a network coupling element arranged within the base body and having a plurality of ports,
• at least one first connection device arranged on the base body, which is designed for coupling a function module, wherein the at least one first connection device has at least one communication interface which is connected to a port of the network coupling element via a signal line,
• at least one second connection device arranged on the base body, which is designed for coupling a function module, wherein the at least one second connection device has at least two communication interfaces, each of which is connected to one of the ports of the network coupling element via a separate signal line in each case, which together can form a logical transmission channel, the network coupling element being designed to receive and transmit data packets from and to the at least one first connection device and the at least one second connection device.