Internet is the world's largest computer network, the network of networks, scattered all over the world. It is considered as the largest information highway by far. It was created as a project for the US department of defense to transfer data among widely separated computers. From handful for computers and users in 1960s, today the internet has grown to thousands of computer network that can connect to millions of users. Example: www. In general, the users of internet can be categorized into three parts.
1. Getting information : We can get information about people, products, organizations, and many other things from the internet. Apart from this, we can get search facilities in the net(i.e. search engines) by the help of which we can search the topics and things within second. So getting information using internet has changed the way how people live and act.
2. Provide Information : An organization or institution can set up it homepage and let the people around the world know about its products and services. Internet is the cheapest medium for advertising. Even programs like distance learning is possible through the internet.
3. Compile Information : It is possible to conduct surveys, get opinion of people around the world.
Intranet
Intranet is a term often used to refer to private connection of LANs and WANs that belongs to an organization, and is designed to be accessible only by the organization's members, employees or others with authorization.
Intranet is also network of networks. But it is not public, it is private network group and owned by a particular organization. Only those persons, who are authorized and authenticated users of that organization can only use this nets.
Intranet is based on internet technology to build information system within an organization or enterprise. It allows certain organization to build a groupware within web environment at low cost on existing network infrastructure. Example banks network.
It also uses the same protocols as used by internet. So, intranet is a network connecting set of clients using standard internet protocols need. It inherits all the feature of internet. It is useful for promoting business, education etc. it is private, only authorized people can use it. If permission is given to access intranet from remote, then it is termed as extranet.
Extranet
An organization may use an extranet to provide secure and safe access to individuals who works for a different organization, but require access to the organization's data. It is also private and virtual private network only authorized people can use it.
An extranet actually combines both the internet and intranet. It extends an intranet, or internal network to other users over the internet. Most extranets can be accessed via a web interface using a web browser. Extranets typically require authentication for user to access them. Extranets are often used by companies that need to share selective information with other business or individuals.
A supplier may use an extranet to provide inventory data to certain clients. The extranet may also include a secure means of communication for the company and clients, such as a support ticket system or web based forum.
Examples of extranet
- A company that is providing access to outside suppliers and contractors.
- A hospital that is providing a booking system to doctors so they can make appointments for their patients.
- A local office of education that is providing budget and personnel information to the schools in its districts.
- The intranet is only accessible from within the organization and the extranet is accessible outside the company.
- Banks ATM network.
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