A network request is a message sent from one computer to another over the internet, asking for information or resources. This process typically involves a client, like a web browser, sending a request to a server, which then responds with the requested data, such as a webpage or an image. These requests can be made using various protocols, with the most common being HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). When you enter a website address, your browser makes a network request to the server hosting that site, allowing you to view the content online.