réseau

Réseau is a French noun that denotes a system of interconnected elements forming a net, mesh, or grid. The word derives from Old French reseau, itself from Latin reticulum “little net,” via the medieval form resseau. The term is used across a variety of domains to express the idea of interconnected parts.

It is used broadly to describe networks in transportation, infrastructure, and communication: a road network (réseau routier), an electrical grid (réseau électrique), or a communications network. In everyday language, it can refer to any system of connected points that enables transmission, exchange, or control across spaces.

In computing, réseau refers to a computer network. Expressions include réseau local (LAN), réseau étendu (WAN), and réseau sans fil (WLAN). The discipline also discusses réseau topologies, which describe the arrangement of connections between nodes, as well as protocols and architecture that govern data flow.

Réseau can also denote clandestine networks in historical or intelligence contexts, such as resistance networks during wars or coordinated information networks in operations. In biology and anatomy, it describes networks of vessels or cells, for example réseau veineux (venous network), réseau lymphatique (lymphatic network), and réseau capillaire (capillary network). In geography, réseau hydrographique refers to the water network formed by rivers and streams.

Overall, the term conveys the concept of multiple elements linked together to form a coherent, functioning system.