nettverket

Nettverket is a Norwegian noun meaning “the network.” It refers to a system of interconnected elements, whether physical, digital, or social, and can also denote a set of relationships or collaborations within a community, organization, or sector.

In information technology, nettverk describes computer networks that connect devices, servers, and services to enable communication and resource sharing. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet. Networks are defined by topology, protocols, bandwidth, latency, and security considerations, and are managed through components such as switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points.

In social science and sociology, nettverk denotes social networks—the webs of ties among individuals, groups, or organizations. Network analysis examines nodes (actors) and edges (relationships) to measure centrality, density, clustering, and path length, revealing how information, influence, and resources flow through a community.

In organizational and economic contexts, nettverk covers business networks, knowledge networks, and supply chains. Such networks facilitate collaboration, innovation, and coordinated action across departments, partners, and regions. They also shape risk management and resilience, especially in critical infrastructure and public services.

Etymologically, nettverket is the definite form of nettverk, a compound of nett (net) and verk (work). The term is widely used in Norwegian to describe both technical networks and metaphorical networks of people and institutions.