Internet and intranet are two terms that we often hear in the world of information technology. But do we know what the differences and similarities are between the two? This article will briefly and easily explain the internet and intranet, as well as the benefits and challenges associated with both.
The internet is a global computer network connected via standard protocols, namely TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). The internet allows us to access various information and online services, such as email, web, social media, games, shopping, etc. The internet is public, meaning anyone with a device connected to the internet can access it.
An intranet is a personal computer network that uses the same protocol as the internet, namely TCP/IP. However, intranets can only be accessed by certain members of an organization or group, such as employees, students, or family members. Intranets are usually used to share internal information and resources, such as documents, applications, databases, etc. Intranets are private, meaning only people who have permission can access them.
Difference between Internet and Intranet
Following are some differences between internet and intranet:
Access: The internet can be accessed by anyone who has an internet connection, whereas an intranet can only be accessed by people who have permission or authorization.
Security
The internet is more vulnerable to cyber attacks, viruses, malware and data theft, while intranets are safer because they have firewalls, encryption and authentication systems that protect data and information.
Content
The internet has very diverse content, ranging from news, entertainment, education, to business, while intranets usually have content that is specific and relevant to the interests of certain organizations or groups.
Speed
The internet depends on the quality of the connection and available bandwidth, so it can experience interruptions or be slow when many users access it. Intranets are usually faster because they use local networks that have greater capacity.
Cost
The internet requires costs to subscribe to internet services from a service provider, while an intranet requires costs to build and manage private network infrastructure.
Similarities between Internet and Intranet
The similarity between the internet and intranet is the use of the same protocol to communicate between computers connected in a network. The TCP/IP protocol enables fast and efficient data transfer between the internet and intranet. Apart from that, the internet and intranet also have the same benefits for their users, namely making it easier to access information and online services.
Although the internet and intranet have significant differences, they also have several similarities, including:
- Both use the same network technology, such as TCP/IP protocols, to send and receive data via cable, wireless, or satellite.
- Both allow users to access information via a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
- Both allow users to communicate via email, instant messaging, video calls, or social media.
- Both allow users to share data, such as documents, images, video, or audio, with other users on the network.
- Both require certain hardware and software to function, such as servers, routers, switches, firewalls, antivirus, and web applications.
Are Intranets Safer Than the Internet?
Apart from similarities, the internet and intranet also have differences. One of the main differences is the level of security offered by each network. In general, intranets are safer than the internet because they can only be accessed by people who have special permission from the organization that owns them. The internet, on the other hand, can be accessed by anyone who has an internet connection, making it more vulnerable to attacks from hackers, viruses, malware, etc. Therefore, internet users must be more careful in protecting their data and information from online threats.
The internet and intranet are two types of computer networks that have differences and similarities. Both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we need to understand the characteristics and functions of the internet and intranet so that we can choose and use a network that suits our needs.
