Difference between Internet, Intranet and Extranet

Networks are crucial in today’s globalized world because they allow the acquisition, exchange, and organization of knowledge. Of all the first order networks the Internet, Intranet, and Extranet are commonly utilized for various applications. Every network type meets specific roles that are required in connecting the global population, and internal organization, and secure communication with external subjects. About these networks, this article will aim at identifying their fundamental and specific applications.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a huge network of millions of computers and related devices from all corners of the globe through which users are able to communicate, exchange information, and partake in general resources. Its mechanism is more decentralized and does not have a specific owner; it works only as a common idea shared by various institutions, governments, and users. The Internet is the tool that links people, companies, and organizations, offering various opportunities for cooperation and development, as well as offering various possibilities to find the necessary information, using Internet resources, such as websites and services, research data, and social networks.

What is an Intranet?

An Intranet is a local area network that has been designed for use within an organization by its employees to share information as well as work together. An Intranet is also constructed from the technologies of the Internet from TCP/IP, HTTP, and web browsers but exist behind a security firewall and has only a limited number of authorized users. Its use is to enhance the cooperation internally, control the distribution of facilities and to work more effectively. These include company news that include the latest updates posted internally to and including personnel directories, project management applications and access to databases all of which assist the organization in enhancing its efficiency.

What is Extranet ?

An Extranet is an extended form of an Intranet that enables secure communication and collaboration between an organization and external entities, such as suppliers, partners, or clients. While it uses Internet protocols to facilitate connectivity, an Extranet is controlled and accessible only to authorized users with login credentials. The primary purpose of an Extranet is to extend the reach of internal resources to trusted external users while maintaining security through firewalls, encryption, and access control measures.

Difference between Internet, Intranet and Extranet

Conclusion

It is essential to distinguish the terms Internet, Intranet, and Extranet for any individual or an organization that is in need of any sort of networking. Today, millions of Internet users send messages and share information and ideas through the Internet all over the globe. While intranets are the internal connection within an organization used for internal operation. An Extranet is used when two or more organizations require a connection or to link a business with its employees, vendors, and clients, and hence comes in between the Intranet and Internet. All these networks are important in today’s connectivity environment as they perform important role in the conduct of various functions.