The EWP Network is the electronic 'internet' or a “phonebook” that is used to connect the database of HEIs (either their own or through 3rd party vendors) with each other, so they can communicate with each other and exchange information. In order to enable that, the EWP project has devised a number of APIs (connectors) than can connect HEI database software to the Network.
The EWP Dashboard is a free stand-alone software tool for those HEIs that don't have dedicated software to connect to the EWP Network. The EWP Dashboard is connected to the EWP Network allowing to connect its users to any other HEI that is part of the EWP Network and exchange data with it. So if you use the Dashboard, you are already connected to the EWP Network.