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Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Internet
2.1.
How does the Internet Work?
2.2.
Advantages of the internet 
3.
Intranet
3.1.
How does the Intranet Work?
3.2.
Advantages of the Intranet
4.
Similarities between Intranet and Internet
5.
Differences between Intranet and Internet
5.1.
Definition
5.2.
Users
5.3.
Accessibility
5.4.
Type of Network
5.5.
Security
5.6.
Information and Data
5.7.
Traffic
5.8.
Characteristics
6.
Frequently Asked Questions
6.1.
Why the internet is also called a network? 
6.2.
Give some examples of the educational intranet? 
6.3.
Write some disadvantages of the intranet? 
7.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Internet and Intranet

Computer Networks

Introduction

In this technological age, almost everyone uses the Internet. However, most people are perplexed when distinguishing between the Internet and the Intranet because the two concepts are nearly identical in terminology. Even though their terms differ by only one alphabet, they have a lot of visible distinctions in general.

Internet/Intranet

Source: artofarticle

The Internet is used to connect multiple networks of computers simultaneously. Because it is a public network, anyone can use it to access the Internet. There are many users on the Internet, and it delivers an infinite amount of information to them. Intranet is a sort of Internet that is only utilized by businesses. Because it is a private network, no one else can access the Intranet. There are a restricted number of users on the Intranet, and it only offers a limited amount of information to its users.

The main distinctions between the Internet and the Intranet are discussed in this blog, which will aid in understanding the requirements of both. This will also assist us in determining which of them we require for personal and commercial purposes. Let's discuss each of them one by one: 

Internet

The Internet is a worldwide network that connects millions of computers using TCP/IP protocols. Different networks, such as private, public, organizational, academic, and government, might be included. It enables users to speak with one another and share large volumes of data in various forms. Both wired and wireless internet connections are accessible. Data is sent using fiber optic cables in wired mode, whereas radio waves are wireless.

The following are some of the most important Internet applications:

Sharing of files Downloading audio and video files and software, Email sending, and receiving. Any information may be found by browsing the Internet. Using platforms, forums, and communities on social media E-commerce, bill payments, and online grocery and pharmaceutical purchases Video Conferencing, Voice Calls, and Having conversations with friends, family, and coworkers.

How does the Internet Work?

Before we get into this, let's go over some internet fundamentals:

Clients and servers are used to make the Internet operate. Because it is not directly linked to the Internet, a device such as a laptop is referred to as a client rather than a server. It is, however, connected to the Internet indirectly via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is recognized by an IP address, which is a series of digits. An IP address serves as the shipping address for your gadget, much like your home has a unique address that identifies it. Your ISP provides the IP address, and you may view what IP address your ISP has assigned to your system.

A server is a huge computer that serves as a repository for websites. It has an IP address as well. A data center is a location where a significant number of servers are kept. The server accepts and replies to requests sent by the client via a browser via a network (Internet).

A domain name, which symbolizes an IP address number, must access the Internet; each IP address has been allocated a domain name. IP addresses are represented by domain names like youtube.com, facebook.com, and PayPal.com. Because it is difficult to recall a long string of numbers, domain names were established. The Internet, on the other hand, does not comprehend domain names; it understands IP addresses, so when you type a domain name into your browser's search box, the Internet must look up the IP addresses for that domain name in a massive phone book known as DNS (Domain Name Server).

If you know a person's name, for example, you may look for his phone number in a phone book by searching name. The Internet uses the DNS server to determine the IP address of a domain name. ISPs or similar companies are in charge of DNS servers.

Let's look at how the Internet works now that we've covered the basics.

 

Summary

When you switch on your computer and input a domain name into the browser search box, the browser sends a request to the DNS server for the IP address associated with that domain name. After obtaining the IP address, the browser sends the request to the appropriate server.

The data begins to flow after the server receives the request to offer information on a certain website. The data is sent in digital format or light pulses over optical fiber connections. Because the servers are located in remote locations, the data may have to travel thousands of kilometers through an optical fiber connection before reaching your computer.

The optical fiber is linked to a router, turning light into electrical messages. An Ethernet cable is used to send these electrical impulses to your laptop. As a result, you get the information you want via the Internet, basically, a wire that links you to the server.

Furthermore, if you use wireless Internet through wifi or mobile data, the signals from the optical connection are first transported to a cell tower, where they are converted into electromagnetic waves and then sent to your cell phone.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees the Internet-based in the United States. It is in charge of assigning IP numbers and registering domain names, among other things.

On the Internet, data transport is extremely quick. The information is sent to you from a server thousands of kilometers away when you press enter. The data is transferred in binary form (0, 1), and these zeros and ones are split into tiny packets that may be sent at fast speeds.

Also see, Message Switching in Computer Networks and Basic Networking Commands 

Advantages of the internet 

The Internet connects devices from all around the world to form a global network. It enables individuals to converse effortlessly from anywhere on the planet. People may quickly obtain knowledge on various topics thanks to the Internet. It keeps people up to speed on the newest news and technology from worldwide. It brings individuals together through communities, forums, and social networking sites to collaborate online. The Internet has simplified the process of selling and acquiring goods and services. People can use the Internet to showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, sketching, etc.

Also see,  Personal Area Network

Intranet

An Intranet is a private network that is exclusive to a single company. It is intended for an organization's and its associates' exclusive usage, such as workers, customers, and other approved individuals. It provides a secure platform for communicating with authorized users and sharing data. The Intranet may be used to make confidential information, databases, connections, forms, and apps available to employees. As a result, it's similar to a private internet or an internal website that operates within a company to allow access to its information and data to its personnel. A unique IP address identifies each machine on the network.

Intranet Network

Intranet Network

It is based on internet protocols (TCP/IP) and is secured using firewalls and other security mechanisms to prevent unwanted access. The firewall monitors incoming and outgoing data packets to verify that they do not contain any illegal requests. Users on the Intranet can access the Internet, but internet users who aren't permitted can't access the Intranet. Furthermore, the authorized user must be connected to the Intranet's LAN to access it (Local Area Network).

How does the Intranet Work?

A web server, an intranet platform, and applications are the three main components of an intranet. The intranet software and data are stored on the web server, which is hardware. It handles all requests for files held on the server, locates the files requested, and delivers them to the user's PC.

 

Company Intranet

Communication tools, collaborative apps, and databases may all operate together effortlessly on the intranet platform, which is software. It is adapted to a company's unique requirements.

The programs are necessary for users to be able to operate efficiently. They are the computer tools that enable users to do tasks, interact and collaborate, and obtain and save data.

Furthermore, the user who wants to access the Intranet must have a unique network password and be linked to the local area network (LAN). A person working from home can connect to the Intranet via a virtual private network (VPN), which allows them to sign in and view the information.

Advantages of the Intranet

It is less expensive to set up and operate than the Internet or an extranet, which is more secure. It facilitates communication, allowing the organization to quickly exchange data, information, and other resources across its personnel. Everyone on staff has access to corporate announcements, queries, and internal papers. It gives you a safe place to store and build applications that help you run your business. It increases the company's productivity by accelerating workflow and eliminating mistakes. As a result, it aids in achieving goals by completing work on time. It provides a venue for new ideas to be tested before being posted on its website. Employees may stay connected on the road using modern intranets, including a mobile app. It helps with project management, workflow monitoring, and team progress. It can function with mobile devices, sending content from the Intranet to employees' phones, tablets, and other mobile devices. It may also inspire staff, make employee recognition easier, and reward them for exceeding their goals.

You can also read about the Layered Architecture in Computer Network.

Similarities between Intranet and Internet

  1. Both internet and intranet run on the network. 
  2. Both carry all the information like documents, multimedia, and data. 
  3. Internet and intranet use the same technology but in the intranet everything is in-house. 

Differences between Intranet and Internet

Definition

The Internet is a global network of computers that communicate with the Internet protocol suite (TCP/ IP). A private network of computers built for a specific set of individuals and owned by a particular corporation or organization is known as an intranet. In the wide-area network, it might incorporate numerous local area networks and also include leased lines.

Users

As previously stated, the Internet is a globally linked network with a far larger user base than the Intranet. The total number of users on the Intranet is limited due to a limited range. Intranet has a small user base when compared to the Internet.

Accessibility

Internet is open to the public and may be used by anybody. Because Intranet is a company's internal network, only specific people can use it. Employees and administrators with login credentials can access it.

Type of Network

An example of a public network is the Internet. An intranet is a form of a private network that is mainly used for the activities of a company. 

Security

The internet is a far less secure network since it is a public network. Cybercriminals frequently target people who use the Internet. Because of the limited access, there is no or very little chance of cyber attacks on the Intranet, making it safer than the Internet.

Information and Data

The availability of information and data is limitless due to the broader range. People have complete autonomy over how they utilize the Internet and their information. That is why, daily, new material is uploaded to many categories on the Internet. Only group-specific information is available on the intranet. That implies the notification and data on the Intranet are restricted to a single company's records, operations, inventories, and so on. Only those with admin rights are permitted to add or alter information in this scenario.

Traffic

The overall visitor traffic is exceptionally high due to a large number of users and a public network. It's practically impossible to count. Because the intranet has a small number of users, visitor traffic is limited compared to the Internet. The traffic on an intranet may be counted.

Characteristics

There are various intranets on the Internet. The intranet may be thought of as a subset of the Internet. Intranets can only be accessed over the Internet, with specific limitations and security measures in place.


You can also read about the network models in computer network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why the internet is also called a network? 

The Internet is referred to as a network because it connects computers and servers all over the world via routers, switches, telephone lines, and other communication devices and channels. As a result, it may be thought of as a worldwide network of physical cables such as copper telephone wires, fiber optic cables, television cables, and so on.

Give some examples of the educational intranet? 

It is commonly found at a school, college, or other educational institution. A school intranet, for example, is designed to allow teaching staff to connect with one another and get information about forthcoming events such as test dates, school festivities, and holidays.

Write some disadvantages of the intranet? 

Due to hidden expenses and complexity, setting up an Intranet can be pricey.
Someone could hack the firewall if it isn't working correctly or isn't installed. Passwords that are difficult to guess by outside users are essential. The fear of losing control of the intranet is always present. Duplication of documents might occur from time to time, causing confusion among personnel. Because you must grant access to different people, you may find it difficult to maintain control over this network.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed in detail what is internet and intranet are, and the similarities and differences between them on the basis of many different factors: Users, Accessibility, Security, Information and data, traffic, etc.

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