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What is the Internet?

Internet is a global network that connects billions of computers across
the world with each other and to the World Wide Web. It uses standard
internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to connect billions of computer users
worldwide. It is set up by using cables such as optical fibers and other
wireless and networking technologies. At present, internet is the fastest
mean of sending or exchanging information and data between
computers across the world.

It is believed that the internet was developed by "Defense Advanced

Projects Agency" (DARPA) department of the United States. And, it
was first connected in 1969.
Why is the Internet Called a Network?
Internet is called a network as it creates a network by connecting
computers and servers across the world using routers, switches and
telephone lines, and other communication devices and channels. So, it
can be considered a global network of physical cables such as copper
telephone wires, fiber optic cables, tv cables, etc. Furthermore, even
wireless connections like 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi make use of these cables to
access the Internet.
Internet is different from the World Wide Web as the World Wide Web
is a network of computers and servers created by connecting them
through the internet. So, the internet is the backbone of the web as it
provides the technical infrastructure to establish the WWW and acts as
a medium to transmit information from one computer to another
computer. It uses web browsers to display the information on the client,
which it fetches from web servers.
The internet is not owned by a single person or organization entirely. It
is a concept based on physical infrastructure that connects networks
with other networks to create a global network of billions of computers.
As of 12 August 2016, there were more than 300 crores of internet users
across the world.
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Physical copper or optical fiber data transmission cables, as well as
other networking technologies like LAN, WAN, and MAN, are used to
set up the internet. Even the 2g, 3g, and 4g services, as well as Wi-
Fi, need this physical cable arrangement in order to access the Internet
connection. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and
Numbers (ICANN), a US-based organization, is in charge of overseeing
the management of the Internet and its related protocols, including IP
addresses.
How does internet work?
Before understanding this let us understand some basics related to
internet:
The internet works with the help of clients and servers. A device such
as a laptop, which is connected to the internet is called a client, not a
server as it is not directly connected to the internet. However, it is
indirectly connected to the internet through an Internet Service Provider
(ISP) and is identified by an IP address, which is a string of numbers.
Just like you have an address for your home that uniquely identifies
your home, an IP address acts as the shipping address of your device.
The IP address is provided by your ISP, and you can see what IP address
your ISP has given to your system.
A server is a large computer that stores websites. It also has an IP
address. A place where a large number of servers are stored is called a
data center. The server accepts requests send by the client through a
browser over a network (internet) and responds accordingly.
To access the internet we need a domain name, which represents an IP
address number, i.e., each IP address has been assigned a domain name.
For example, [Link], [Link], [Link] are used to
represent the IP addresses. Domain names are created as it is difficult
for a person to remember a long string of numbers. However, internet
does not understand the domain name, it understands the IP address, so
when you enter the domain name in the browser search bar, the internet
has to get the IP addresses of this domain name from a huge phone book,
which is known as DNS (Domain Name Server).
For example, if you have a person's name, you can find his phone
number in a phone book by searching his name. The internet uses the
DNS server in the same way to find the IP address of the domain name.
DNS servers are managed by ISPs or similar organizations.
Now after understanding the basics, let us see how internet works?

When you turn on your computer and type a domain name in the
browser search bar, your browser sends a request to the DNS server to
get the corresponding IP address. After getting the IP address, the
browser forwards the request to the respective server.
Once the server gets the request to provide information about a
particular website, the data starts flowing. The data is transferred
through the optical fiber cables in digital format or in the form of light
pulses. As the servers are placed at distant places, the data may have to
travel thousands of miles through optical fiber cable to reach your
computer.
 The optical fiber is connected to a router, which converts the light
signals into electrical signals. These electrical signals are transmitted to
your laptop using an Ethernet cable. Thus, you receive the desired
information through the internet, which is actually a cable that connects
you with the server.
Furthermore, if you are using wireless internet using wifi or mobile data, the
signals from the optical cable are first sent to a cell tower and from where it
reaches to your cell phone in the form of electromagnetic waves.
The internet is managed by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned
Names and Numbers) located in the USA. It manages IP addresses
assignment, domain name registration, etc.
The data transfer is very fast on the internet. The moment you press
enter you get the information from a server located thousands of miles
away from you. The reason for this speed is that the data is sent in the
binary form (0, 1), and these zeros and ones are divided into small
pieces called packets, which can be sent at high speed.
Uses of the internet
Generally speaking, the Internet may be used to exchange information
with people all over the world, communicate across great distances, and
locate information or answers fast on almost any subject.
Here are some examples of specific uses for the Internet:
o Using social media and content sharing.
o Instant messaging, video conferencing, Internet Relay Chat (IRC),
Internet telephony, and email are all examples of electronic
communication. These all are used through the Internet.
 o Access to online degree programs, courses, and workshops for
education and self-improvement.
o Searching for jobs: To advertise available positions, submit job
applications, and hire candidates identified on social networking
sites like LinkedIn, both employers and applicants use the Internet.

Other examples include:

o Online dating
o Online gaming
o Research
o Reading electronic newspapers and magazines
o Online shopping, or e-commerce.
o Online discussion groups and forums

Difference between the World Wide Web and the Internet

The World Wide Web (also known as the Web) and the Internet are
fundamentally dissimilar from one another because the Web is a
collection of information that can be accessed using the Internet,
whereas the Internet is a global network of networks that offers access
to almost all types of information. In other words, the Web is a service
that was added to the Internet's foundation.
The Web is the part of the Internet that gets the greatest traffic. One
unique aspect of this is hypertext, a rapid cross-referencing method. The
majority of websites feature text that highlights keywords or phrases by
being a different color than the rest of the text. When a user selects one
of these words or phrases, they will be sent to the chosen website or
page. Buttons, graphics, and even particular areas of images are also
utilized as hyperlinks.
On the Internet, there are billions of pages of information. The most
popular web browsers are Google Chrome, Firefox, and Internet
Explorer. A web browser is used to surf the internet or do online
browsing. A certain Web site's look may vary slightly depending on the
browser being used. A certain browser's later or more updated versions
have the potential to render more complicated features like music files,
sound, animation, and virtual reality.
Security and the Internet
Due to the volume of private and public information collected online,
customers are at risk for security attacks and data breaches. Crackers
and hackers have access to networks and systems, and they are able to
steal personal data, such as login passwords or information on bank and
credit card accounts. Among the steps that may be taken to protect
online privacy are:
o You can install antivirus and antimalware on your system.
o Generating complex, unique passwords that are impossible to
decipher by anyone.
o A virtual private network (VPN) can be used, or at least a private
browsing mode like the Incognito window in Google Chrome.
o Only using HTTPS
o Keep private your all-social media accounts.
 o Deactivate the autofill feature.
o Turn off the GPS of the device.

o Instead of just closing the tab or window, log out of accounts.

o Update cookies so that if a cookie is set, an alert is sent anytime.

o Spam emails should be avoided, and never open or download files

from sources you are not aware of.

o Need to use caution when using hotspots or public Wi-Fi.

Furthermore, the "dark web" is an additional component of the Internet.

Standard browsers do not allow users to access the dark web, which is
hidden. It instead makes use of the Tor and I2P browsers, which let
users maintain complete anonymity. While this anonymity can be a
fantastic way to safeguard a user's security and freedom of speech
online or for the government to conceal confidential information, the
dark web also fosters an environment that makes cybercrime, the
transfer of illicit commodities, and terrorism easier.
Social impact of the Internet
Both positive and negative effects of the Internet on society can be
observed. On the one hand, some people claim that the Internet has
raised the risk of withdrawal, social exclusion, alienation, and citing a
rise in FOMO, or the fear of missing out, as evidence. On the other
hand, some people also believe that the Internet has had the opposite
impact on society, increasing sociability, civic participation, and the
depth of connections.
The Internet has changed how society communicates and interacts,
whether the effects are positive or negative on society. The increased
focus on personal growth is one example of change and the fall in a
community that is determined by space, job, and family. People
increasingly now build social connections on the basis of their unique
projects, values, as well as interests. In addition to offline and in person,
communities are being created by like-minded people through the
Internet and the abundance of online settings it provides and produces.
Social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn are the preferred
platforms for both businesses and individuals wishing to carry out
various tasks and connect with others.
Internet Connection Protocols
Protocols are a set of guidelines that aid in regulating the operation of
any specific organization or technology.
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Three main categories of Internet Connection Protocols are discussed
below:
o TCP/IP Network Model: The most popular protocols for linking
networks are Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet
Protocol (IP). Any communication is split up into a number of
packets that are sent from source to destination.
o File Transfer Protocol: With the help of FTP (File Transfer
Protocol), a user can transfer documents, text files, multimedia
files, program files, etc., from one device to another.
o Hypertext Transfer Protocol: It is used to move a hypertext
between two or more computers or other devices. Links can be
made using HTML tags and can take the form of text or graphics.

History of the Internet

The forerunner of the Internet, the ARPANet, went live for the first time
in 1969. The TCP/IP, open networking protocol suite, was adopted by
the ARPANet in 1983, and the National Science Foundation Network
(NSFN) developed the network to link university computer science
departments across the US in 1985.
When the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) was developed in 1989, it
enabled different computer platforms to connect to the same Internet
sites, which dramatically improved communications over the network.
The Mosaic Web browser was developed in 1993.
Over the years of its existence, the Internet has remained a constant
growth and development. For instance, IPv6 was created to provide for
a significant future rise in the number of IP addresses that could be used.
In a related development, the Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the
rapidly developing environment where nearly any entity or device can
be given a unique identifier (UID) and the capability to communicate
data automatically over the Internet.
Advantages of the Internet:
o Instant Messaging: You can send messages or communicate to
anyone using internet, such as email, voice chat, video
conferencing, etc.
o Get directions: Using GPS technology, you can get directions to
almost every place in a city, country, etc. You can find restaurants,
malls, or any other service near your location.
o Online Shopping: It allows you to shop online such as you can be
clothes, shoes, book movie tickets, railway tickets, flight tickets,
and more.
o Pay Bills: You can pay your bills online, such as electricity bills,
gas bills, college fees, etc.
o Online Banking: It allows you to use internet banking in which
you can check your balance, receive or transfer money, get a
statement, request cheque-book, etc.
 o Online Selling: You can sell your products or services online. It
helps you reach more customers and thus increases your sales and
profit.
o Work from Home: In case you need to work from home, you can
do it using a system with internet access. Today, many companies
allow their employees to work from home.
o Entertainment: You can listen to online music, watch videos or
movies, play online games.
o Cloud computing: It enables you to connect your computers and
internet-enabled devices to cloud services such as cloud storage,
cloud computing, etc.
o Career building: You can search for jobs online on different job
portals and send you CV through email if required.

Disadvantages of the Internet

o Time wastage: Although, Internet has a lot of advantages, it also
contains some limitations. Time wasting is one of among them. It
can decrease your productivity if you are spending too much time
on the Internet using social media apps while doing nothing.
Rather than squandering time, one should use that time to do
something useful and even more productive.
o Bad impacts on health: You can get health related issues if you
spend too much time online; your body needs outside activities,
exercise, and many other things. If you look at the screen for a long
time, it causes negative effects on the eyes.
o Cyber Crimes: These days, crimes including cyberbullying,
spam, viruses, hacking, and data theft are increasing day by day.
Cybercriminals can quickly break into your system, which store all
of your private information.
 o Effects on children: The constant watching of videos and playing
games on the Internet by young children is bad for their social and
overall personality development.
o Bullying and spreading negativity: Social media applications
have provided a free tool to all those people who regularly attempt
to spread negativity with really repulsive and humiliating
comments and try to bully each other, which is wrong and does
bad impact on society.

Different ways to Connect to the Internet

The various methods for connecting to the Internet are briefly discussed
below:
o Dial-Up: Users must connect their phone line to a computer
system in such connections in order to access the Internet
connection. The user is unable to make or receive calls using the
tier home phone service while connected.
o Broadband: Today's most popular high-speed internet
connection, broadband is offered either by cable or phone
companies.
o Wireless Connection: This category includes Mobile and Wi-Fi
services providers. No matter where you are, you can connect to
the Internet anywhere because connectivity is made possible by
radio waves. Several instances of wireless connections are
provided below:
o Wi-fi: Without the use of cables, wi-fi or wireless fidelity, enables
high-speed internet connectivity.
o Mobile Phones: In modern times, all smartphones include an
Internet connectivity option that can be availed using Internet
 packs and coupons. These don't require a wire or external
connection as well.
o Satellite: Satellites are utilized for wireless Internet connectivity
in areas Where broadband connections is not available.
o Integrated Services Digital Network: With the help of using
telephone lines, ISDN enables users to send audio or video data.

Other things you can do on the Internet

The ability to communicate with anyone in the world virtually
immediately is one of the best features of the Internet. With billions of
users worldwide, email is one of the most established and widely used
methods of online communication as well as information sharing with
others. People can communicate with each other in a number of ways
and create online communities with the help of using social media
platforms.

Also, you can use the Internet for a variety of additional purposes. There
are multiple ways to stay up to date on news and do online shopping.
You can take care of your financial affairs, meet new people, watch TV,
or enhance new skills. With the help of Internet, you can do or learn
anything online.

Next

Intranet

The intranet is a private network that belongs to a particular

organization. It is designed for the exclusive use of an
organization and its associates, such as employees, customers,
and other authorized people. It offers a secure platform to convey
information and share data with authorized users. Confidential
information, database, links, forms, and applications can be made
available to the staff through the intranet. So, it is like a private
internet or an internal website that is operating within an
organization to provide its employees access to its information
and records. Each computer in intranet is identified by a unique
IP Address.
It is based on internet protocols (TCP/IP) and is protected from
unauthorized access with firewalls and other security systems.
The firewall monitors the incoming and outgoing data packets to
ensure they don't contain unauthorized requests. So, users on the
intranet can access the internet, but the internet users can't access
the intranet if they are not authorized for it. Furthermore, to access
the intranet, the authorized user is required to be connected to
its LAN (Local Area Network).
Benefits of the intranet:
Some of the benefits of the intranet are:
o It is cheap and easy to implement and run, and is more safe
than the internet and extranet.
o It streamlines communication that enables the company to
share its data, information, and other resources among
employees without any delay. The entire staff can receive
company's announcements, ask questions, and access
internal documents.
o It provides a secure space to store and develop applications
to support business operations.
o It improves the efficiency of the company by speeding up
workflow and reducing errors. Thus, it helps achieve targets
by completing the tasks on time.
 o It offers a testing platform for new ideas before they are
uploaded on the company's internet webpage. Thus, it helps
maintain the credibility of the company
o Information is shared in real-time, or updates are reflected
immediately to all the authorized users.
o Modern intranets also offer a mobile app that allows
employees to stay connected on the go.
o It aids in project management and tracking workflow and
teams' progress.
o It can work with mobile devices, which means it can provide
information that exists on intranet directly to mobile devices
of employees such as phones, tablets, etc.
o It can also be used to motivate employees, facilitate
employee recognition, and to reward them for performing
beyond expectations.

Features of intranet
Intranets are powerful tools that offer various features to enhance
internal communication, collaboration, and organizational
productivity. Let's delve into some key features of an intranet and
their benefits in simple language.
o Document Management and Sharing: An intranet
provides a centralized repository for storing and sharing
documents. It enables employees to upload, arrange, and
access files from a single place.
o Internal Communication Tools: Intranets offer a range of
communication tools like messaging systems, discussion
forums, and chat platforms. These tools facilitate quick and
efficient communication between team members,
departments, and even across different office locations.
 o Employee Directories and Profiles: Intranets often include
employee directories and profiles, which serve as digital
databases of staff information. Employees may search for
their coworkers' contact information, areas of specialization,
and job titles to simplify identifying the correct person for
the job.
o Task and Project Management: Intranets provide tools for
managing tasks and projects. They enable teams to create
and assign tasks, set deadlines, track progress, and share
project-related documents and updates.
o News and Announcements: Intranets often have a
dedicated section for news and announcements. This feature
lets Organizations share company-wide updates, important
news, policy changes, or event details.
o Collaboration Spaces and Wikis: Intranets may include
spaces or wikis where teams can collaborate on specific
projects, share knowledge, and create a collective
knowledge base.

How the Intranet Works:

Intranet basically comprises three components: a web server, an
intranet platform, and applications. The web server is hardware
that contains all the intranet software and data. It manages all
requests for files hosted over the server and finds the requested
files and then delivers it to the user's computer.
The intranet platform, which is software, allows communication
tools, collaboration apps, and databases to work seamlessly with
each other. It is tailored to the specific needs of a business.
The applications are required to enable users to work smoothly.
They are the computing tools that allow users to do their work,
communicate, and coordinate with each other and retrieve and
store information.
Furthermore, the user who wants to access the intranet is required
to have a special network password and should be connected to
the LAN. A user who is working remotely can gain access to the
intranet through a virtual private network (VPN) that allows them
to sign in to the intranet to access the information.
Types of Intranets
Several intranet types are available to meet organizations' unique
requirements and preferences. Let's investigate the various
intranet types.
1. Corporate Intranet: A corporate intranet is the main
platform for internal communication and cooperation inside
a firm. It gives employees access to internal materials,
including corporate news, guidelines, and records. Corporate
intranets often feature tools for internal messaging, file
sharing, project management, and employee directories.
They foster a centralized hub for employees to stay
informed, collaborate on projects, and access essential
information about their roles.
2. Departmental Intranet: Departmental intranets are made
to meet the needs of certain teams or departments inside an
organization. They provide specialized features and
resources to meet the demands of a certain department, such
as sales, marketing, or human resources. These intranets
allow departments to have dedicated communication
channels, document repositories, and collaboration tools,
enabling streamlined workflows and focused collaboration
within the department.
3. Enterprise Intranet: An enterprise intranet connects
multiple organizations or subsidiaries within a larger
corporate structure. It provides a platform for sharing
information, resources, and knowledge across different
entities. Enterprise intranets facilitate collaboration,
coordination, and alignment of processes and strategies
among different organizations or subsidiaries within the
same corporate umbrella.
 4. Virtual Private Intranet (VPN): Remote workers can
safely access an intranet's internal resources via a Virtual
Private Network (VPN). The data transmission between the
remote user and the intranet server is encrypted when a VPN
establishes a secure connection over the internet. This
guarantees that private information is kept secure and private
when workers are working remotely for the company.
5. Extranet-Enabled Intranet: An extranet-enabled intranet
extends access to external parties, such as clients, partners,
or vendors, to specific intranet sections with proper
authorization. This type of intranet allows external
stakeholders to collaborate, access shared documents or
project information, and participate in discussions while
maintaining control over the information they can access.
Extranet-enabled intranets enhance collaboration with
external parties, fostering stronger business relationships
and streamlined workflows.
6. Cloud-Based Intranet: A cloud-based intranet is accessed
via web browsers or specific apps and is hosted on a cloud
computing platform. It provides scalability, flexibility, and
remote access options. Intranets built on the cloud do not
require on-site infrastructure or maintenance. They let
employees access the intranet from any device with an
internet connection, making them the perfect solution for
organizations with geographically distributed teams and
remote work circumstances.
Uses of Intranet
An intranet is a versatile tool that offers several uses to
organizations, improving internal communication, collaboration,
and productivity. Let's elaborate on the key uses of an intranet in
simple language:

o Sharing Organizational Updates: An intranet provides a

centralized platform to share important news,
announcements, and updates within the organization. It
updates staff members on corporate news, policy
modifications, new projects, and other pertinent information.
This promotes openness and alignment while ensuring staff
are aware of the most recent changes.
o Storing Files: One of the primary uses of an intranet is to
serve as a central repository for storing and organizing files
and documents. It allows employees to access important
resources, manuals, procedures, and policies whenever
needed. This feature eliminates the hassle of searching
through physical documents or multiple file-sharing
platforms, enabling efficient information retrieval and
consistency in document management.
o Connecting Employees: An intranet acts as a digital hub
that connects employees across different departments,
 teams, and locations within the organization. It provides
employee directories and profiles, making it easier for
employees to find and connect with colleagues possessing
specific skills or expertise. This fosters collaboration,
knowledge sharing, and community among employees, even
in large organizations with dispersed teams.
o Collaborating with Teams Across Borders: Intranets
facilitate seamless collaboration and project management
among teams, irrespective of geographical boundaries.
Team members can collaborate on documents, share
updates, assign tasks, and track progress using dedicated
collaboration tools within the intranet. This enables efficient
teamwork, enhances coordination, and reduces
communication barriers, particularly in organizations with
remote or globally distributed teams.
o Increasing Productivity: By providing easy access to
information, resources, and tools, an intranet boosts
employee productivity. It also eliminates the need to search
for information across different platforms or rely on time-
consuming manual processes. Employees can find and share
information quickly, access necessary documents, and
collaborate effectively, improving efficiency and time
savings.
o Giving Employees a Voice in the Organization: An
intranet can include discussion forums, surveys, and
feedback mechanisms that empower employees to share
their opinions, ideas, and suggestions. This gives workers a
voice within the company, promotes diversity, and
encourages innovation and continual development.
Employee participation and happiness increase when staff
 members participate in conversations, provide feedback and
participate in decision-making.

Disadvantages of Intranet:
o It may be costly to set up an Intranet due to hidden costs and
complexity.
o If the firewall does not work properly or not installed, it can
be hacked by someone
o High-security passwords are required, which cannot be
guessed by outside users
o There is always a fear of losing control over the intranet
o Sometimes document duplication may happen which can
cause confusion among employees
o You have to give access to multiple users, so you may find
it hard to control this network.
o An intranet's setup and maintenance may be challenging and
require IT help.
o Employees may need help in training and adopting the
system.
o Managing content can be difficult, leading to outdated
information.
o Security breaches and malware attacks are potential risks to
be aware of. Remote employees may have limited access.
o Regular maintenance is needed to keep the intranet running
smoothly.

Examples of Intranet:
Educational Intranet: It is generally found in a school, college,
etc., For example, a school intranet is intended to allow teaching
staff to communicate with each other and get information about
upcoming updates such as exam dates, schools functions,
holidays, etc.
Real Estate Intranet: The intranet of a real estate company
allows its sales team to have access to all important brochures,
templates, forms that they may need to close a sale. Employees
also remain up to date with important events like meetings,
training, sessions, etc. It can also be used to share motivational
messages with the team.
Health Care Intranet: In the healthcare sector, in big hospitals,
the Intranet helps health care professionals to work as a team to
provide proper care and treatment to their patients. Doctors can
share reports, treatment procedures, bills and claims can be settled
easily without moving from one department to another
department.
IT Sector Intranet: In the IT sector three is always a lot of
information that needs to be shared with all the employees at one
go. It may be related to a project that needs to be completed within
the given time frame, such as guidelines, terms and conditions,
and rules that are to be followed while working on a project.
Difference between Intranet and Internet:

Internetinter Intranet

It is a medium such as optical fiber

cable that connects billions of It is a small, private network as it
computers with each other to belongs to a specific organization.
establish a worldwide network.

It has billions of users as it is a

public network with a worldwide It has limited users.
presence.
 It is a safer network than the
It is not as safe as an intranet.
internet.

It can be assessed or used by

anyone using an internet-enable Only authorized persons can use
devices, such as laptop, mobile this network.
phone, etc.

It offers a wide range of It offers limited information related

information, such as news, blogs, to its organization's work, policies,
websites, etc. updates, etc.

It is not owned by a single person or It can be owned by a person or an

an organization. organization.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can a remote user access an intranet?
Remote employees can access the intranet from locations other than th
organization's physical premises if the proper setup and security measures ar
in place, such as virtual private network (VPN) connections or cloud-base
solutions. This allows them to access the intranet and use its features.
How secure is an intranet?
A secure intranet may be achieved with the right security measures in place
These include access restrictions, firewalls, encryption, and frequen
vulnerability assessments. Organizations may protect their intranet agains
illegal access and potential security breaches by following these protections
What kinds of information are available on an intranet?
Various kinds of information may be found on an intranet. It frequentl
contains employee directories, document repositories, project managemen
tools, internal communication channels, collaborative spaces, and busines
news and updates. It is a centralized platform for exchanging and accessin
information important to company personnel.
Is training required to use an intranet?
Depending on the complexity of the intranet and employees' familiarity wit
similar systems, some training may be necessary. This ensures tha
employees can effectively use the intranet's features and functionalities
Training sessions or documentation can help employees understand how t
navigate the intranet, access resources, collaborate with colleagues, an
utilize its tools and applications.
Can an intranet integrate with other business systems?
Yes, an intranet may be integrated with other corporate platforms. It may b
integrated with tools for project management, customer relationshi
management (CRM), human resources management systems, and more. B
streamlining operations and enabling smooth data sharing, this connectio
makes it simpler for staff members to access and share information acros
several platforms.
How frequently should an intranet be updated?
The demands of the organization, as well as the tools and content on th
intranet, determine how frequently changes are made. Updates must be mad
often to guarantee information correctness, include new features o
functionalities, and fix any security flaws. The intranet should be reviewe
and updated as needed by organizations as part of a maintenance routine t
keep it up-to-date and helpful for users.

Next Top
Extranet
Extranet is a part of an organization's intranet. It is a
communication network that is based on internet protocols
(TCP/IP). It provides controlled access to firm's intranet to its
trading partners, customers, and other businesses. So, it is a
private network that securely shares internal information and
operations of a firm with authorized people outside the firm
without giving access to the company's entire network. The users
are required to have IDs, passwords, and other authentication
mechanisms to access this network.
Some of the benefits of extranet:
o It acts as a single interface between the company and its
trading partners.
o It automates the firm's processes like automatically places an
order with suppliers when inventory drops.
o It improves customer service by providing customers a
platform to resolve their queries and complaints.
o It enables the firm to share information with trading partners
without engaging in paper-based publishing processes.
o It streamlines business processes that are repetitive in nature,
such as ordering from a vendor on a regular basis.

How is Extranet Established?

It is set up in the form of a Virtual Private Network as it is prone
to security threats due to the use of the internet to connect
outsiders to an organization's intranet. VPN can assure you a safe
network in a public network such as the internet. The transmission
control protocol (TCP) and internet protocol (IP) are used for the
data transfer.
VPN assures secure transactions based on Internet Protocol
Security Architecture (IPSEC) protocol as it provides an extra
security layer to TCP/IP protocol, which is used for data transfer
in the extranet. In this layer, the IP packet is encapsulated to form
a new IP packet, as shown below:
Furthermore, to provide more security to Intranet, the following
two measures are also taken by an organization:
o Firewall: It prevents unauthorized users from accessing the
extranet.
o Passwords: It also prevents unauthorized users, including
the company's employees from accessing the data stored on
its server.

Limitations of Extranet:
o Hosting: If you host extranet pages on your own server, it
requires a high bandwidth internet connection, which is may
be very expensive.
o Security: You need extra firewall security if you host it on
your own server. It increases the workload and makes
security mechanism very complex.
o Dependency: It is dependent on the internet as outsiders
cannot access information without using the internet.
o Less Interaction: It reduces the face to face interaction
between customers, business partners, vendors, etc., which
results in poor relationship building.
Difference between Intranet and Extranet:

IntraneIntranett ExtraExtranetnet

It may not be called a private

network, as it can be assessed
It is a private network, which
externally. It provides limited
cannot be accessed externally.
access to authorized outside-users
such as vendors, partners, etc.

It connects the employees of the It connects the company's

company. employees with partners.

It is an independent network, not a

It is an additional part of company's
part or extension of any other
Intranet.
network.

External users such as suppliers,

Communication takes place only customers, and partners are allowed
within the organization that owns to be a part of intranet to get
the network. information, updates, about the
organization.