DRAWING NO. NTWK-26-A01

Professional Network Topology

Schematic comparison: four platforms, 2026 issue · scale not literal

SHEET
1 / 1
SCALE
relative
DATE
2026 Q2
STATUS
INFORMATIONAL
REV
A
← elevation: four-module network platform comparison →
MODULE 01 · LNK
LinkedIn
general professional network
USERS
1.0B+
RANGE
200+ ctry
FUNCTIONS
full suite
BASE
free
PARENT
Microsoft
Function: primary load-bearing element of the professional network. Carries identity, employment search, content publishing, and recruiter operations. Compatible with most use cases.
MODULE 02 · IND
Indeed + GD
employment search and review
USERS
350M/mo
RANGE
60+ ctry
FUNCTIONS
job + intel
BASE
free
PAIRED
Glassdoor
Function: dedicated search and employer-research module. Highest listing inventory. No structural networking; designed for periodic, not continuous, use.
MODULE 03 · WLF
Wellfound
startup employment specialist
USERS
~8M
RANGE
tech hubs
FUNCTIONS
startup jobs
BASE
free
FIRMS
~150K
Function: specialised connector between candidates and early-stage companies. Compensation including equity disclosed on listings. Direct founder access.
MODULE 04 · MEE
Meetup + LC
in-person + 1:1 introductions
USERS
~52M
RANGE
190+ ctry
FUNCTIONS
events + 1:1
BASE
free
EVENTS
2M+/yr
Function: in-person community connector. Lunchclub adds AI-matched 1:1 meetings. Not load-bearing for identity or jobs; serves the relationships layer.
↓ system schedule and load comparison ↓
LEGEND · USE-CASE ROUTING

By Function

identity
LNK primary
job search
IND primary; LNK secondary; WLF for startup
networking
LNK online; MEE in-person
content
LNK primary
salary intel
IND (Glassdoor); WLF on listings
employer intel
IND (Glassdoor); LNK pages
1:1 intros
MEE (Lunchclub)
LEGEND · COMPARATIVE LOAD

By Metric

METRICLNKINDWLFMEE
scaleXXLLSM
jobsLXLM-
networkXL-SL
contentXL---
costfreefreefreefree
  1. This schematic compares four platforms by structural function. Not a recommendation.
  2. Most professionals will combine two or more modules to cover all required functions.
  3. LNK module is the only one rated to carry the full professional identity load on its own.
  4. MEE module is the only one operating outside the screen-based interaction system.
  5. All cost figures are for the standard user tier as of issue date.
SHEET 1 OF 1 · NETWORK TOPOLOGY · 2026 ISSUE FOR REFERENCE ONLY