What is a "fabric network"?

A "fabric network" specifically refers to a blockchain network that is constructed using the Hyperledger Fabric framework. Hyperledger Fabric is an open-source project designed to provide a modular architecture that allows for components such as consensus and membership services to be plug-and-play. This flexibility is essential for businesses since it enables them to tailor the blockchain network to their specific requirements.

One of the key attributes of a fabric network is its permissioned nature, which allows organizations to have more control over who can participate in the network and what data is shared on the ledger. This is particularly important for enterprises that need to comply with regulations and maintain confidentiality.

The other options do not accurately define a fabric network. While decentralized applications do exist in the blockchain space, they are not uniquely tied to the Hyperledger Fabric framework. A collection of various blockchains describes a broader concept known as a blockchain ecosystem and does not specifically denote a single network built on Hyperledger Fabric. Finally, a network solely for financial transactions does not capture the versatile use cases that a fabric network can support, which include supply chain management, healthcare, and more, thus emphasizing its broader application beyond just financial transactions.