What network does NEAR Protocol use?

I'm curious to know, what network does the NEAR Protocol utilize? It seems to be a rather intriguing blockchain platform, offering scalability, usability, security, and sustainability. I'm particularly interested in how it achieves such high scalability. Does it employ unique technologies like sharding or some other innovative approach? Also, how does its network architecture contribute to its overall performance and functionality? I'm eager to delve deeper into this and understand the intricacies of the NEAR Protocol's network.