Network has me next to mum (4)
I believe the answer is:
mesh
'network' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'me next to mum' is the wordplay.
'next to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'mum' becomes 'sh' (I've seen this in other clues).
'me'+'sh'='MESH'
'has' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for mesh that I've seen before include "Get engaged" , "Open fabric" , "Become entangled - become engaged" , "fit together" , "Crossed wires" .)