What is the meaning of the word networks as it is used in the sentence below

"Others remamained independent villages, exchanging with other villages while in networks."

The meaning of the word network as it is used in the given statement is 'a functional interactive group having all the elements connected to each other'.

Explanation:

A network can be termed as a group which is complete within itself as far as its activities are concerned. For example, a network of telephones is a large group that has all the telephones connected to each other. In a network of villages, the villages can be connected to each other in several ways. It can be a specific economic activity that the villages carry out collectively.