Extranet, Intranet & Internet | IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Preparation - Year 11 PDF Download

Internet

• The Internet serves as an expansive global network interconnecting various networks worldwide.
• The World Wide Web, accessed through web browsers, offers a plethora of web pages for users.
• Through the World Wide Web, users can retrieve information using Internet connectivity.

Characteristics of the Internet

• Open: The Internet is an open network, meaning that anyone with access can utilize the same resources and information as others, promoting a free exchange of information and ideas.
• Decentralization: The Internet operates as a decentralized network without a single owner, controller, or governing body. It consists of numerous interconnected networks that function independently but collaborate to facilitate communication.
• Global Reach: As a global network, the Internet allows people from all corners of the world to communicate with each other in real-time, transcending geographical boundaries.
• Accessibility: The Internet is accessible to anyone with a suitable device and access to one of its interconnected networks, making it widely available to users across various regions and demographics.

The Internet serves various purposes and is indispensable in our daily lives. Some of its key functions include:

• Education and Training: The Internet is a vast repository of educational resources, offering online courses, tutorials, and research materials.
• Social Networking: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram facilitate social connections and interactions.
• Online Shopping: E-commerce websites such as Amazon and eBay enable users to buy goods and services online.
• Entertainment: Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube provide a wide range of entertainment options.

Intranet

• Intranets function similarly to the Internet but are typically private networks designed for secure information exchange within organizations.
• Security: Unlike the globally accessible Internet, an organization's intranet is restricted to authorized personnel, ensuring data confidentiality.

Intranets have many advantages over the internet such as:

• Bandwidth: Intranets offer superior bandwidth compared to the internet.
• Data Security: Data on intranets is securely stored within the organization, reducing the risk of external breaches.
• Cybersecurity: Intranets have a lower susceptibility to hacking and cyber attacks.
• Access Control: Administrators have better control over access to external websites and links.

Characteristics of an Intranet

• Private: An intranet is a private network accessible only to employees within a specific company or organization. External access is restricted to maintain privacy and security.
• Security: Intranets are typically secured behind firewalls to ensure that only authorized users can access them. This helps protect sensitive company information from unauthorized access or cyber threats.
• Sharing and Communication: Intranets facilitate document sharing and collaboration among users within the organization. They often provide tools such as email, instant messaging, and video calling to enable efficient communication and collaboration among employees.
• Customization: Intranets can be customized to meet the specific needs and requirements of the organization. This includes customizing navigation, subject content, and layout to align with the company's branding and workflow. Additionally, intranet services can be scaled up as the business grows to accommodate increasing demands.
• Authentication: Users are typically required to authenticate themselves by providing a username and password before gaining access to the intranet. This ensures that only authorized employees can access the network and its resources, enhancing security and privacy.

Extranet

• An extranet is essentially a private network extension of an intranet that permits specific external parties, such as customers, stakeholders, or clients, to access certain resources and information.
• External users are granted varying levels of authorization upon successful login, dictating the extent of resources they can utilize.

Comparison: Internet, Intranet, and Extranet

Key Similarities:

• Web-based Technologies: Internet, intranet, and extranet operate as web-based technologies.
• Remote Information Access: Users can access information remotely on all three platforms.
• Client-Server Architecture: They employ client-server architecture for operations.
• Security Measures: Authentication and encryption methods are utilized for security.
• Information Sharing: They promote and facilitate sharing of information and resources.

Distinguishing Differences:

• Nature: The internet is a global network, while intranet/extranet are private networks within organizations.
• Purpose and Accessibility: The internet serves a wide array of purposes publicly, whereas intranet/extranet are tailored for specific users and purposes.
• Information Availability: Most internet information is publicly available, whereas intranet/extranet data is restricted.
• Ownership: The internet is not owned by any single entity, whereas intranets/extranets are typically organization-owned.