Difference between Intranet and VPN

Intranets and VPNs are two devices that are widely used in business. It is crucial to clarify that an intranet is merely a term that refers to an internal network that simulates the Internet. Still, VPN, which means Virtual Private Network, is one method used to remotely connect to a system as if you were linked locally. Using applied research makes it easy for administrators to provide different levels of accessibility in a manner that most people are already familiar with.

On the other hand, VPN was created to address the need for low-cost, secure connections between distant workplaces. Before VPN, communication links were a safe but expensive method for achieving.

An intranet is a company's private network. It differentiates from the Internet in that it is publicly available. When businesses choose intranet, they gain a private online environment to communicate and work together on projects. A VPN provides a more secure network than the Internet, which is a wider public network.

When you use a VPN, your identity and location are handled privately and will never be revealed. A VPN is a great option if a person wants a more secure browsing experience. The intranet in an organization will distribute information based on necessity. Consequently, a person who does not intend to be aware of a certain issue will stay ignorant. It is far safer than public networks, and the organization's information remains confidential.

Intranet cannot access a remote device, and this is not its intended use, but VPN can access a remote machine. Intranet, being a network within an organization, does not hide the user's identity, but VPN, on the contrary, can secure the user's identity and location. The intranet is intended to be utilized by the entire organization, while VPN is designed to be used by a single person.

On the one hand, moving across the public network is not needed for intranet access. However, in the case of a VPN, it is necessary. The main difference between Intranet and VPN is that an intranet is a connection for the entire business. Still, VPN is best suited for individual internet use and pleasure. Intranet connections do not have to connect to a public network, but VPN connections do.

Read this article to find out more about Intranet and VPN and how they are different from each other.

What is the Intranet?

An intranet is a computer network that can only be viewed as a private gateway, with no access to outside devices. This network is known to differentiate it from an internet based network, as the Internet covers external connections while the intranet only provides internal networking. This connecting system may be of any type, but access to this system requires specific authorization.

The network architecture or a group of network and security management professionals typically design and administer the intranet. The formation of the Intranet network, like every other process in the technological setup operations, consists of research, design, construction, execution, and maintenance.

Instead of using the internet network for communication within a closed region, the intranet provides more cost savings because it is less costly than any other networking option for a small area. Since it also allows connecting any device inside the network, there are no technical limitations or restrictions on the organization's normal day-to-day activities.

The system is then created as the next step in this process, and the hardware necessary for network implementation is gathered. To execute, the team sticks to the intended design and uses the collected hardware.

What is VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a method that allows a secure and encrypted connection to be created across a less secure system, such as the Internet. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) extends a private network by using a public network, such as the Internet. The term only implies that it is a virtualized "private network," suggesting that a user could be a part of a local network while in a remote location.

To establish an encrypted channel, it uses tunneling methods. A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that enables a secure connection to be made across a less secure system, such as the Internet.

VPNs conceal your physical location behind a new IP address given by the VPN server. VPNs work by encrypting the information that travels through your internet connection.A VPN uses encryption to protect your internet traffic and route it through an encrypted channel - a private virtual network - connecting your computer and a distant VPN server.

This hides your IP address and prevents strangers from stealing your data. Anybody inspecting your VPN connection will see scrambled data. Your information can only be encrypted or decoded by your computer and the VPN server you're utilizing. A VPN is a terrific option if a person wishes to have a more secure surfing experience.

Differences between Intranet and VPN

The following table highlights the major differences between Intranet and VPN −

Characteristics	Intranet	VPN
Definition	An intranet is a kind of network for the whole organization	VPN is a way to connect to distant computers.
Using the public network	Utilizing a public network when connecting to an intranet is unnecessary.	A VPN must connect to a public network.
Identification	It does not conceal your identity.	It conceals your identity on public networks.
Users	This is accessible to the entire company.	This is designed to satisfy the needs of a specific individual.
Distant communication	The intranet cannot remotely access gadgets.	VPN can remotely access computers.

Conclusion

Both Intranet and VPN are widely used in the business world. On the other hand, VPN is a great tool for individual usage. The Intranet and the Internet support the vision. VPN is a secure network that operates within the public network, the Internet. You can use VPN to hide your location and connect to a remote computer.

The intranet provides all of the services that the Internet offers. It could be a private version of a public network. In many cases, an intranet is routed through a VPN tunnel, connecting the two and allowing you to utilize all of the features simultaneously. It will be connected locally.