The Google Network is a large group of websites and other products, such as email programs and blogs, who have partnered with Google to display AdWords ads. Advertisers have the option of running their ads on Google as well as the Google Network for no extra cost.
AdWords ads are placed based either on searches or content, so the Google Network has two components: the Search Network and the Content Network.
The Search Network
AdWords campaigns with keywords are automatically eligible to appear on the Search Network (if this option is selected in AdWords campaign settings). These ads are targeted based on a user's search terms. For example, if you search for 'Italian coffee' on Google, you'll see related coffee ads next to the search results.
Where Ads Will AppearOn the Search Network, ads are shown both on Google search results pages and the search results pages of other properties within the Search Network. On Google, ads appear alongside or above the search results. On the rest of the Search Network, your ads may appear alongside or above search results, as part of a results page as a user navigates through a site's directory, or on other relevant search pages.
Learn more
To learn more about the Google Search Network and the Google ad network in general, you can review the Google Network Help Topic.
