If you're new to networking, you may be unsure what it is and how it functions. You will be guided through a few concepts in this article, including the Internet, Local area network (LAN), Intranet, and Extranet. Although these ideas are related, they are not the same.
A network of computers, servers, and other devices that can communicate with one another is known as the Internet. It allows billions of devices to connect and share files, programs, and other resources because it uses the TCP/IP protocol family. The Internet has been around for decades and has completely changed how people communicate and conduct business. Private, business, academic, and government networks are just a few of the many different kinds of networks that make up this global network. Millions of computers can be connected at once via the Internet.
Network service providers, or NSPs, are a collection of numerous sizable networks that comprise the Internet's backbone. To exchange packet traffic, these NSPs are peer-to-peer. At least three Network Access Points, or NAPs, are connected to each NSP. Packet traffic frequently switches between the backbones of different NSPs. There are several privately owned organizations known as Internet Exchange Points in addition to NAPs (IXPs).
A complex system, networking employs numerous protocols. Some examples are TCP and IP protocols, medium access control protocols, and application layer protocols. The Internet runs on these protocols.
An environment where end-user devices can connect is a local area network (LAN). In most cases, these are computers. However, they can also consist of smart TVs, monitors, hardware for teamwork, conference room setups, and other things. Generally speaking, each device has an Ethernet port that enables LAN connectivity. As a result, they can take advantage of quick processing and high-speed internet connectivity.
Home, office, and the school can all have local area networks. They enable sharing of printers, disk storage, and other resources between computers and other network appliances. Employee collaboration and data sharing are made possible by the devices' ability to communicate with one another. One computer can be part of a large local area network or a small one.
There are many types of LANs, a common technology in offices and other places. Others are wired, while some are wireless.
Incorporating an intranet is a great way to connect your employees and enhance collaboration procedures. It enables open communication within a company and connects various devices with various architectures. Employees can deploy applications and access documents and data using a company workstation or browser.
An intranet is a fantastic tool for employee communication and brand promotion. Employees have access to resources like document repositories and calendars of events. To make it easier for them to find the documents they require, the document library can be organized by department. The department can also be divided into the project management module.
Intranets can connect to external users, but management and upkeep are required. To ensure proper operation, they must be regularly inspected. Additionally, you should support remote access via mobile devices if you have an intranet.
A secure, private network called an extranet enables companies to communicate with their business partners and enhance customer service. Additionally, they provide a scalable, adaptable environment that enables workers to access crucial business data anywhere, at any time. Businesses can reduce costs by using extranets to cut back on paperwork and travel.
The same advantages that intranets have to make extranets an excellent platform for knowledge sharing. An extranet, for instance, might be used by a retailer to give employees working in various locations access to information about previous orders and quantities ordered that are required for accounting. Among other things, it might offer a messenger service and a search engine. Additionally, it might be interactive, like a chat room or social networking website.
Extranets are more secure than intranets but use the same communication technologies. Access to an extranet requires authorization from its users. Partners in business, suppliers, and even some customers could be considered authorized users. Authorized users can access the host company's main network without gaining access. An extranet resembles a secure file room outside the business's walls. It is only accessible to authorized users and can be crucial in streamlining business procedures.
