Affiliate networks are intermediaries that connect brands (advertisers) with affiliate publishers, providing infrastructure for tracking and payments. Major affiliate networks: - ShareASale - CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) - Impact - Rakuten Advertising - Awin - PartnerStack Network benefits: - Access to publisher base - Tracking infrastructure - Payment processing - Fraud detection - Reporting tools - Program discovery Network vs in-house: - Networks: Faster launch, wider reach - In-house: More control, lower costs - Hybrid: Best of both Network costs: - Setup fees - Monthly platform fees - Override commissions - Transaction fees