Networks are crucial in today’s digital world as they allow exchange, acquisitions and knowledge across organizations or within organizations. Every network meets a specific requirement as per its scope – connecting internal organizations, public ecosystem and secure connectivity with external objects.
In today’s article we understand and compare types of networks – Internet, Intranet and Extranet, purpose of each of the network types, their key differences and use cases.
What is Internet
The Internet or public network connects millions of computers and related devices from around the globe so its users can communicate, exchange information, and access general resources.
- It is more decentralized and is not owned by a specific person or entity; it works on a common idea shared by several organizations, users and governments.
- The Internet is the tool which connects organizations, and provides several opportunities for development and cooperation as well as providing a source of necessary information using public resources such as websites and services, social networks and research data.
What is Intranet
An Intranet is a local area network which is used within an organization for its employees to share information and work together.
- An Intranet exists behind a security firewall and has a limited number of authorized users.
- Intranet are usually meant to enhance internal cooperation, control and facilities distribution within an organization. This may include project management applications, personal directories, internal web servers etc. which help in improving the organizational efficiency.
What is Extranet
Extranet is an extended form of Intranet which provides secure communication and collaboration between external entities and enterprises such as suppliers, clients and partners. It uses Internet protocols to facilitate communication and connectivity.
- Extranet is accessed and controlled by only limited authorized users having login credentials.
- The purpose of Extranet is an extension to provide internal resources to trusted entities while ensuring security through firewalls and encryption and access control measures.
Figure above depicts an Internet, Intranet and Extranet showcasing their boundaries of operations.
Comparison: Internet vs Intranet vs Extranet
| Features | Internet | Intranet | Extranet |
| Accessibility | It is public domain | Internal to organizations | Extension of Intranet and private access |
| Availability | Across geographical boundaries | Restricted by specific organization network | Information sharing with trusted suppliers and clients which make use of public network |
| Content accessibility | Anyone connects to public network will have access to content | Accessible only to organization employees | Accessible to business trusted suppliers and clients |
| Owned by | Owned by no single person or organization | Owned by single organization | Could be owned by single or multiple organizations |
| Network purpose | Sharing of information around the world | Purpose is to share information within organization | Purpose is to share information between its trusted members and organization |
| Security | It is dependent on individual system | It is enforced via organization firewall | It is enforced via firewall which segregates Intranet and Extranet |
| Maintenance | It is maintained by ISPs | It is maintained by internal department of organization | It is maintained by internal department of organization |
| Economical | Cost effective, economical to use | Involves cost to setup not so economical | Involves cost to setup not so economical |
| Examples | World wide web or Internet | Internet within a college campus, organization, office etc. | Extension to Intranet to provide secure connectivity and information access to clients, suppliers, vendors etc. |
Download the comparison table: internet vs intranet vs extranet
To Summarize
- Internet is a global, public network connecting millions of computers worldwide for open communication and information sharing.
- Intranet is a private, internal network within an organization, accessible only to authorized members.
- Extranet is an extension of an intranet that allows controlled access to external partners, vendors, or clients.
