What defines an intranet?

An intranet is fundamentally defined as a private network that is owned and operated by an organization. It is designed to facilitate communication, collaboration, and information sharing within that organization, typically accessible only by its employees or authorized users.

Intranets often use the same technologies as the internet, such as web browsers and servers, but they are restricted to internal users, enhancing security and control over the data and applications utilized within the organization. By using an intranet, companies can improve employee productivity, streamline processes, and centralize resources, all while safeguarding sensitive information from external access.

This specific focus on an internal communication network highlights its distinction from other types of networks, such as public networks (which allow global communication), cloud-based repositories (which are designed for data storage and access across different locations), and satellite communication systems (which are used for transmitting data over long distances via satellites).