Monday’s Beginners–Intranet vs. Internet

So there are two buzzwords that people like to throw around. Intranet and Internet. Surprisingly, very few users actually know the difference.

The Internet

So, a little while back, we covered the difference between the Internet and the browser. The first part of that discussion applies here. If you would like a refresher, you can read that article here.

In short, the Internet is a GLOBAL Network of networks. It spans the entire world, and exists in one form or another in pretty much every country in the world. It consists of millions of computers and networks, which can (and probably does) include your company’s network, or at least a part of it.

The Intranet

So this is a part that screws up a lot of people. And to be fair, the difference is rarely explained properly to them. The simplest, most direct (and correct) answer I was able to come up with is this: Intra = within || Inter = between

This means the Internet is a net(work) between networks. This also means an Intranet is a net(work) within the network.

“Wait, JR. What are you talking about?” Good question. Let me explain how it works in terms as it applies to our discussion here today.

See, the Internet is what we use to connect to computers all over the world – an INTRAnet is used specifically within the organization to which you belong (usually your company). It is also only accessible inside your company (as in, you must be in your company’s building, connected to the network, or LAN, to access it). You would not be able to access an intranet if you were, for example, at home – since your home network is not part of your company’s network (even though you work for said company), it’s not going to work out.

Yes, yes. I can hear a lot of people who have a little more tech knowledge say “What about VPN?'”. And they would be right to ask such a question. VPN allows somebody on an outside connection (say, from home) to connect to an intranet. But it’s beyond the scope of this discussion today. For now, we’re discussion just the differences between INTRAnet and INTERnet. Maybe I’ll cover VPN on Wednesday’s topic.

 

Comments?  Questions? Feedback?  Leave a comment below, or email me at jackrockblc+blog@gmail.com.

 

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