An overlay network is a computer network which is built on the top of another network. Nodes in the overlay can be thought of as being connected by virtual or logical links, each of which corresponds to a path, perhaps through many physical links, in the underlying network. For example, distributed systems such as cloud computing, peer-to-peer networks, and client-server applications are overlay networks because their nodes run on top of the Internet. The Internet was originally built as an overlay upon the telephone network while today (through the advent of VoIP), the telephone network is increasingly turning into an overlay network built on top of the Internet.
Read more about Overlay Network: List of Overlay Network Protocols
Famous quotes containing the word network:
“Parents need all the help they can get. The strongest as well as the most fragile family requires a vital network of social supports.”
—Bernice Weissbourd (20th century)