Terminology » Networking Basics » Internet vs. Intranet: Key Differences Explained

Internet vs. Intranet: Key Differences Explained

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This article clarifies the difference between the Internet and an Intranet, explaining what each is and how they are used.

Internet

The Internet stands for “Interconnected Network.” It’s essentially a massive, global network of computers. A network, in this context, simply means a group of computers that are connected.

These computers connect using various methods:

  • Telephone wires
  • Fiber optic cables
  • Wireless technologies (GPRS, HSPA, LTE, etc.)

This connectivity allows them to share information with each other. The Internet, often called “the Net,” is like a gigantic storehouse of information.

Benefits of the Internet

Here are some of the advantages of using the internet:

  • Information Access: You can find information on virtually any topic. It’s an invaluable source of knowledge. We use search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, AltaVista, and ASK to find what we need. Just visit their websites and enter your search query.

  • Email Communication: Send messages, known as emails, to anywhere in the world within seconds. You can use an email client installed on your computer (like Outlook Express) or use free web-based email services like Yahoo Mail, Rediffmail, and Gmail.

  • Chat and Instant Messaging: Communicate in real-time with people using chat software like Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, and Skype.

  • Online Shopping (E-commerce): Buy products online from websites like Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Homeshop18, and Myntra. These companies handle the delivery of the goods to your registered address.

Types of Internet Connections

Different types of internet connections are available, varying based on how the connection is provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and data speed requirements.

Popular ISPs in India include Airtel, BSNL, TATA DOCOMO, and Reliance.

The common types are dial-up and broadband internet.

  • Dial-up: Uses existing telephone lines and a dial-up modem to provide internet access. Typically offers speeds up to 56kbps.

  • Broadband: Uses DSL lines or wireless technologies (LTE, LTE Advanced) to provide data speeds measured in Mbps. This utilizes DSL modems, cable modems, or wireless dongles (modems).

Broadband internet is further divided into:

  1. Wired broadband internet
  2. Wireless broadband internet
  3. Wireless mobile broadband internet

Intranet

The term “intranet” refers to a network connection within an organization or between organizations.

A prime example is a corporate network, which manages the creation and maintenance of email accounts for employees. This allows internal email communication. An intranet also often includes an internal website containing company updates, news, job openings, and information about company culture and business activities for employees.

Advantages of an Intranet

  • Cost and Effort Savings: Intranets help companies save money and effort.
  • Unified Mission: Intranets bring everyone together with a common goal and focus on the business’s interests.
  • Increased Productivity: Intranets help businesses become more productive and deliver products on time.

An intranet can host multiple private websites. Both intranets and the internet use:

  • www and SSL protocols for web applications.
  • SMTP, POP3, and IMAP protocols for email applications.