The Internet is a global, public network accessible to anyone with a connection. It allows worldwide information sharing and communication. The extranet is a private network that extends the organization's internal network to specific external users like customers or partners. While both use similar technologies extranets have added security measures to protect sensitive data and enable the secure collaboration between the businesses and their external stakeholders.
What is The Internet?
An Internet is a public network and it is not owned by anyone. Since it is a public network therefore anyone can access it without a valid username and password. The Internet is the largest network in the case of a number of connected devices. In this, there are numerous users and it provides lots of information to users. It acts as a tool for sharing information all over the world.
Benefits of Internet
- Global Connectivity: The Internet enables instant communication and information sharing across vast distances. This global connectivity fosters collaboration, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas on an unprecedented scale.
- Access to Information: With the Internet, a wealth of knowledge is at our fingertips, from academic resources to practical how-to guides. This democratization of information empowers individuals to learn, grow, and make informed decisions.
- E-commerce and Online Services: The Internet has revolutionized how we shop, bank, and access services. It offers convenience, competitive pricing, and a wide range of options, all from the comfort of our homes.
- Entertainment and Social Networking: The Internet provides diverse entertainment options and platforms for social interaction. It allows people to connect with friends, family, and like-minded individuals, as well as enjoy a vast array of media content.
What is Extranet?
The Extranet is a private network and it is owned by a single or a multiple organization. Since it is a private network therefore no one can access it without a valid username and password. It acts as the medium for sharing information between internal and external members. It is a more secure network and is managed by numerous organizations.
Benefits of Extranet
- Secure Collaboration With External Partners: An Extranet allows organizations to share specific information and resources with authorized external parties. This secure environment facilitates collaboration with suppliers, clients, and partners while maintaining control over sensitive data.
- Improved Supply Chain Management: Extranets enable real-time information sharing between businesses and their suppliers. This streamlines inventory management, order processing, and logistics, leading to more efficient supply chain operations.
- Enhanced Customer Service: By providing customers with access to personalized portals, companies can offer self-service options and timely support. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces the workload on internal support teams.
- Cost-Effective Communication: Extranets reduce communication costs by replacing traditional methods like phone calls and physical mail. They also minimize the need for in-person meetings, saving time and travel expenses for all parties involved.
Difference Between Internet and Extranet
| Internet | Extranet |
|---|---|
| It is used as public network. | Whereas it is used as private network. |
| An internet is less secure because it has zero security level in the firewall. | While the extranet is more secure than the Internet. |
| In the case of Internet anyone can access it without the valid username and password. | In the case of a extranet no one can access it without a a valid username and password. |
| A large number of users can access the Internet. | Whereas here, a limited number of users can access the extranet. |
| An internet acts as a tool for sharing information all over the world. | It acts as the medium to share the information between the internal and external members. |
| An internet is not owned by anyone. | Whereas extranet is owned by a single or multiple organization. |
| An Internet is not managed by either authority. | Unlike the internet, it is managed by numerous organizations. |
| An internet is the largest network in the case of number of connected devices. | Whereas in the case of extranet, it is small in terms of connected devices as compared to the internet. |
| An internet is less costly than extranet. | Whereas in the case of extranet, it is more costly. |
| It's users are the general public. | It's users are the employees of the organization which are connected. |
| It is not owned by anyone. | It is owned by single or multiple organization. |
| There is no regulating authority for Internet. | It is regulated by multiple organizations. |
| It is maintained by ISP. | It is maintained by CIO, HR or communication department of an organization. |
| It is the network of networks. | It is derived from Intranet. |
| Example: What we are normally using is Internet. | Example: DELL and Intel using network for business related operations. |
Internet is the global network that connects the millions of a devices and computers worldwide. | Extranet is a private network that connects specific devices and computers worldwide. |
It is open to the everyone and allows access to a public information such as a websites and online services. | The extranet is the closed network that requires a authentication to access it. |
It is used for a communication and sharing information, e-commerce, education, entertainment and for many other purposes. | The Extranets are used for collaboration, sharing of confidential information and conducting business between the organizations. |
Users can access a Internet from any location with the Internet connection and a compatible device. | Extranet access is restricted to the authorized users and it is limited to the specific devices and locations. |
Security measures such as a firewalls or encryption and secure sockets layer (SSL) protocols are used to protect against the threats like hacking, viruses and malware. | Extranets employs the similar security measures to protect against a unauthorized access and ensure the privacy and a integrity of the shared data. |
The Internet services includes email, social media, search engines and online shopping sites. | The Extranet services includes a supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM) and project collaboration tools. |
Conclusion
In conclusion the Internet is like big open city where anyone can go and explore it freely. It connects the people and information from all over the world. The extranet is more like the private club. It's a special network that a company sets up to work safely with specific outsiders, such as customers or business partners. While both use similar technology, an extranet has extra security to keep private information safe.
