The Lightning Network is a second-layer payment protocol that operates on top of a blockchain, specifically the Bitcoin blockchain. It is designed to enable faster, cheaper, and more private transactions between participating nodes by allowing users to open bidirectional payment channels that can be used to conduct multiple transactions without the need to record each one on the blockchain. This can greatly increase the speed and scalability of transactions, as well as reduce fees.

In contrast, the Bitcoin network is the underlying blockchain platform that enables the creation and transfer of Bitcoin. It is a decentralized, peer-to-peer network that uses a distributed ledger to record and verify transactions. Transactions on the Bitcoin network are secured using cryptography and are added to the blockchain through a process called mining.

Overall, the Lightning Network is intended to improve upon the scalability and efficiency of the Bitcoin network, while still relying on the security and decentralization provided by the underlying blockchain.