What network does Ethereum use?

Excuse me, could you please clarify for me which network Ethereum employs for its operations? I'm trying to get a better understanding of the infrastructure behind this popular cryptocurrency and how it facilitates transactions and smart contract executions. Is it built on a similar decentralized network like Bitcoin's blockchain, or does it utilize a different technology altogether? I'd appreciate it if you could elaborate on the specifics of Ethereum's network architecture.