You will come across these terms in your search for answers related to affiliated marketing. A simple way to understand this is: An affiliate network is a platform that facilitates running your affiliate program. Some brands, like eBay and Amazon, have independent affiliate programs or set up your program. Affiliate programs and networks use affiliate marketing software.
When you look up vendors for any of these terms, you will see options that market themselves as affiliate marketing networks, programs, or affiliate software solutions.