Intranet, Extranet and Internet
Who is allowed to reach the network — us, partners or everyone?
- Distinguish intranet, extranet and Internet
- Give one example of each
- Explain why access rules matter
Overview
The same technology (TCP/IP, web pages, email) can be locked to one school (intranet), opened up to partners (extranet), or exposed to the whole world (Internet). The wire is the same — the difference is who is allowed on.
Intranet
A private network for one organisation. Staff and students log in from school and see the school portal, shared drive and printers. Outsiders cannot reach it. Uses Internet technology but is walled off with firewalls and authentication.
Extranet
An intranet that is selectively opened to trusted partners — a supplier, a bank, another school. Access is controlled by accounts, VPNs, and sometimes IP whitelists. Example: a school shares an extranet page with the Education Department for term reports.
Internet
The public network of networks. Anyone can reach any public server if they know its address, subject to that server's own security. Wikipedia, Facebook, gov.pg sites — all public Internet.
Classify the Portal
- For each system, label it intranet, extranet or Internet: (1) school library catalogue, (2) Facebook, (3) Kina Bank partner portal for merchants, (4) government tax portal, (5) staff-only exam bank.
- Justify each answer briefly.
- Which type is open to the whole world?
Reveal answer
Internet.
- What is an extranet?
Reveal answer
An intranet selectively shared with trusted external partners.
- What controls who can enter an intranet?
Reveal answer
Authentication and firewalls.
Does your school have an intranet? If yes, name one service on it. If no, sketch two features you would add.