In the context of networks, what term describes designs that are shared in the public domain?

The term that describes designs shared in the public domain is "open designs." Open designs refer to systems, protocols, or specifications that are accessible for anyone to use, modify, and distribute without restrictions. They encourage collaboration and transparency, allowing for innovation and community input. This openness fosters a collective knowledge base, which can enhance the development of technology and solutions across various industries, especially in networks.

By contrast, proprietary designs are those that are owned by a company or individual and are not intended for public use without permission. Closed designs are similar in that they restrict access and modification to only the creators or authorized parties. Default designs refer to standard configurations set by software or hardware manufacturers, which do not have the same implications of public domain sharing or collaborative development.