Ad networks and ad exchanges serve distinct roles in the digital advertising ecosystem. Ad networks primarily function as aggregators, buying ad inventory from numerous publishers and reselling it to advertisers, often specializing in certain ad formats or verticals, thus simplifying the purchasing process for buyers. In contrast, ad exchanges are open, transparent marketplaces that facilitate the programmatic buying and selling of ad impressions in real-time auctions, primarily through technologies like Real-Time Bidding (RTB). While ad networks act as intermediaries that might own or secure inventory, exchanges merely provide the platform for direct connections between demand-side platforms (DSPs) representing advertisers and supply-side platforms (SSPs) representing publishers. This fundamental difference means exchanges offer greater transparency and efficiency in bidding, whereas networks often provide curated inventory and easier access for smaller advertisers. More details: https://info-web.top