In Ghana, widespread familiarity with the internet is evident, as it serves as a platform for accessing information, movies, and various resources.
The ubiquity of smartphones further contributes to the pervasive use of the internet among the populace.
Conversely, awareness of the Intranet is limited among Ghanaians, despite the similarity in names and characteristics with the internet. The confusion between these terms is not uncommon.
A fundamental distinction lies in accessibility: the internet is open for public use, whereas the Intranet operates within the confines of private ownership by organizations, necessitating user authentication.
The imperative for the Intranet arises from the need for a network that offers privacy and exclusivity to organizations or closed communities.
Unlike the internet, an Intranet network provides enhanced security and privacy features. This differentiation is crucial in understanding the dual nature of these networks and their respective functionalities.
Table of Contents
What Is The Internet?
The internet functions as an extensive global network, interconnecting computers across the world. This interconnected system facilitates the sharing of information and communication among individuals.
Operating on a global scale, the internet establishes connections between diverse computers, enabling the seamless transmission of data among these interconnected devices.
Employing both wired and wireless modes of communication, the Internet facilitates the exchange of information with other networks, fostering a dynamic and interconnected digital environment.
What Is The Intranet?
The Intranet constitutes a restricted local network established through the utilization of worldwide web software.
Functioning as an exclusive and private segment of the internet, the Intranet is owned and utilized by a specific organization.
Its primary purpose is to interconnect computers within the network, providing accessibility to shared files and data.
To ensure security, an Intranet network typically incorporates a firewall, which acts as a protective barrier, preventing unauthorized individuals from gaining access without proper permissions.
This secure environment within the organization facilitates seamless sharing of data and files among connected computers.
Despite being a private network, the Intranet operates on Internet protocols, contributing to its effective and secure functionality within the confines of the organization. This integration of internet protocols ensures a robust and reliable communication framework for the Intranet.
Here Are The Main Differences Between The Internet And The Intranet.
Internet
In contrast to the secure nature of the Intranet, the internet is characterized by a lower level of privacy.
The internet accommodates an extensive and unrestricted flow of traffic, given its open accessibility to individuals worldwide.
Unlike the Intranet, which has a limited user base associated with a specific organization, the internet welcomes an unlimited number of users, connecting diverse individuals and communities globally.
As a public network, the Internet serves as an open platform where information is widely accessible to anyone who can navigate its vast landscape.
Its inclusivity extends to connecting various computer networks, fostering a global interconnectedness that transcends organizational boundaries.
In essence, the internet’s openness and expansive reach make it a dynamic and accessible network for a diverse array of users and information seekers.
Intranet
The Intranet is an integral part of the internet, yet it maintains a private ownership, ensuring that it is not accessible to the public at large.
Restricted access is granted solely to individuals within the organization who possess the requisite login credentials.
The security of the Intranet is derived from its exclusive accessibility, limiting entry only to authorized personnel. The user base is inherently confined, consisting solely of individuals associated with the owning organization.
This restricted access contributes to the Intranet’s characteristic of being a highly private platform, with a notably lower number of visitors compared to the internet at large.
Additionally, the volume of information available on the Intranet is limited and exclusively accessible to individuals affiliated with the organization, reinforcing its confidentiality and internal focus.
Conclusion
While the Intranet and the internet share similarities, it is crucial to emphasize their distinctions. The Intranet operates on internet protocols but is a secluded portion of the internet exclusively designated for specific firms with authorized access.
In contrast, the internet encompasses a broader spectrum, encompassing Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
On the other hand, an Intranet can manifest as a LAN, MAN, or WAN, tailored to the specific needs of the organization.
Significantly, the Intranet’s restricted nature renders it more secure compared to the internet, which is open to a global audience.
The controlled access to the Intranet enhances its safety, making it an ideal platform for confidential and internal communication within organizations.
