It refers to the network that provides services like aggregation to various affiliates and merchants.

Affiliate networks from an affiliate merchant stand point of view would mean providing services that include reporting tools, tracking technology, access to a large number of affiliates and payment processing and so on. From affiliate’s point of view, affiliate network would include different kinds of services like reporting tools, payment aggregation and providing applications to new merchants based on one-click actions. Affiliate networks are usually free to join for affiliates. However, Merchants need to pay a set amount to do the same. There are also few networks that charge merchants a part of the commissions that is reserved for affiliates.