network
    n 1: an interconnected system of things or people; "he owned a
         network of shops"; "retirement meant dropping out of a
         whole network of people who had been part of my life";
         "tangled in a web of cloth" [syn: network, web]
    2: (broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group
       of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs;
       "the networks compete to broadcast important sports events"
    3: an open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at
       regular intervals [syn: net, network, mesh, meshing,
       meshwork]
    4: a system of intersecting lines or channels; "a railroad
       network"; "a network of canals"
    5: (electronics) a system of interconnected electronic
       components or circuits [syn: network, electronic network]
    v 1: communicate with and within a group; "You have to network
         if you want to get a good job"

network \net"work`\, v. i.
   To take steps to make and cultivate the acquaintance of
   people who can be helpful to oneself, especially in finding
   new employment, advancing to a higher position in one's
   occupation, or exchanging information.
   [PJC]

Network \Net"work`\, n.
   1. A fabric of threads, cords, or wires crossing each other
      at certain intervals, and knotted or secured at the
      crossings, thus leaving spaces or meshes between them.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Any system of lines or channels interlacing or crossing
      like the fabric of a net; as, a network of veins; a
      network of railroads.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Hence: (Computers) A system of computers linked together
      by communications channels allowing the exchange of data
      between the linked computers.
      [PJC]

   4. (Radio, Television) A group of transmitting stations
      connected by communications channels that permit the same
      program to be broadcast simultaneously from multiple
      stations over a very wide area; as, the CBS television
      network; also, the organization that controls the
      programming that is broadcast over such a network.
      Contrasted with a local station or local transmitter.
      [PJC]

   5. (Electricity, Electronics) Any arrangement of electrical
      devices or elements connected together by conducting
      wires; as, a power transmission network.
      [PJC]

   6. A group of buildings connected by means of transportation
      and communication between them, and controlled by a
      central organization for a common purpose; as, a book
      distribution network.
      [PJC]

network \net"work`\, v. t.
   To connect together into a network; as, to network computers;
   to network the printer with computers.
   [PJC]

network
computer network
networking

    Hardware and software data communication systems.

   The OSI seven layer model attempts to provide a way of
   partitioning any computer network into independent modules
   from the lowest (physical) layer to the highest (application)
   layer.  Many different specifications exist at each of these
   layers.

   Networks are often also classified according to their
   geographical extent: local area network (LAN), metropolitan
   area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN) and also
   according to the protocols used.

   See BITNET, Ethernet, Internet, Novell, PSTN,
   network, the.

   [Tanenbaum, A., "Computer Networks; 2nd ed.", Prentice Hall,
   Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1989.]

   (1995-03-10)