global network

Planetary communication system

A global network is a system of interconnected nodes—computers, organizations, or people—spanning multiple countries or the entire world.

The term most often refers to the Internet, but also describes multinational corporate structures, international trade systems, or worldwide communication infrastructure: The company operates a global network of distribution centers.

Opposites
geographic scope

global networklocal network

Connected devices in proximity

regional network · community network · intranet · local area network · home network

connectivity structure

global networkself-contained unit

Complete system needing nothing external

closed system · closed loop · island

openness/access

global networkclosed system

Exchange-free bounded region

private network · walled garden

Family

network, global

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G