Intranet vs Extranet
Intranets are closed to outside organizations and extranets are open to a limited number of outside partners. The term extranet is most often applied in the context of B2B information exchange. In most cases, websites set up for customers aren't considered extranets.Information Security
The term intranet is applied to the firewall protected local network of an office location or extended global network of an organization. In some cases, employees may connect from outside locations using technologies such as VPN. An intranet isn't typically available to external partners. Exceptions exist. For example, contractors who are working closely with an organization are often provided VPN access to an intranet.Extranets implement security controls such as firewall rules and authentication that restrict access to authorized individuals. In some cases, extranet firewall rules include specific IP addresses or IP address ranges that are allowed to connect.| Intranet vs Extranet | ||
Intranet | Extranet | |
Definition | A network based on internet technologies that is intended for the private use of an organization. | A network based on internet technologies that is shared with partners but not open to the public. |
Example | An office network with features such as a web-based content management system. | A website for supply partners of an ecommerce company to submit inventory data. |
