This document defines intranet, discusses its key characteristics and uses within organizations, and outlines both the advantages and disadvantages of using an intranet. An intranet is a private computer network that uses internet protocols to securely share information with employees. Intranets allow organizations to deliver tools like collaboration platforms, directories, and business applications to improve productivity. The main advantages of intranets are increased workforce productivity, improved communication, cost savings, and enhanced collaboration. However, disadvantages include the potential for incorrect or inappropriate information to be posted, a need for user training, and information overload if not properly controlled.

1. Sub topic : Intranet
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2. Recap
In the previous class, you have learnt about
• WAN architecture
• Packet forwarding in WAN
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3. Objectives
On the completion of this topic, you would be able to
understand about
• The definition of Intranet
• About Intranet
• Advantages of Intranet
• Disadvantages of intranet
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4. Definition of Intranet
• An Intranet is a private computer network that uses
Internet protocols, network connectivity to securely
share parts of an organization's information or
operations with its employees
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5. Intranet
• The same concepts and technologies of the Internet such
as clients and servers running on the Internet protocols
are used to build an Intranet
Briefly
“Intranet is a private version of Internet”
or
“A version of the Internet confined to an Organization ”
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6. About Intranet
• Intranets are being used to deliver tools and applications
Examples
• collaboration (to facilitate working in groups and
teleconferencing)
• Sophisticated corporate directories
• Sales and CRM tools ,project management etc. to advance
productivity
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7. About Intranet contd…
• Intranets are being used as cultural change platforms
E.g
• Large number of employees discussing key issues in an
online forums could lead to new ideas
• Intranet “user experience” , “editorials” and technology
teams work together to produce in-house sites
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8. Advantages of Intranet
Work force productivity
• Intranet can help users to locate and view information
faster and use applications relevant to their role and
responsibilities
Time
• With intranets, organizations can make more information
available to employees on a “pull” basis (ie. Employees
can link to relevant information at a time which suits
them) rather than being deluged indiscriminately by e-mails
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9. Advantages of Intranet contd….
Communication
• Intranet is a powerful tool for communication within an
organization vertically and horizontally
Business operations and management
• Intranets are also being used as a plot form for developing
and deploying applications to support business operations
and decisions across the internet worked enterprise
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10. Advantages of Intranet contd….
Cost effective
• User can view information and data via a web browser rather
than maintaining physical document such as procedure
manuals ,internal phone list and requisition forms
Promote common corporate culture
• Every user is viewing the same information with in the internet
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11. Advantages of Intranet contd….
Enhance collaboration
• With information easily accessible by all authorized
users team work is enabled
Cross platform capability
• Standards-compliant web browsers are available for
windows, Mac, and NIX
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12. Disadvantages of Intranet
• Inappropriate and incorrect information can be posted on
an Intranet which can reduce its credibility and
effectivenes
• There is a freedom to post abusive and possibly illegal
material
• Training is required to educate people of what intranet
can do
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13. Disadvantages of Intranet contd….
• Need expertise in field to administer and develop Intranet
information within the organization
• Security of Intranet becomes an issue
• As information can be posted by any user, information
overload may occur if it is not controlled well
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14. Summary
In this class, you have learnt about
• Definition of Intranet
• Intranet
• Advantages of Intranet
• Disadvantages of intranet
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15. Quiz
1.A ____spans the largest distance among the category
of computer networks
a) LAN
b) MAN
c) WAN
d) Ethernet
2. Intranet is a private version of internet (true) or (false)
ANS: true
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16. Frequency Asked Questions
1. Define Intranet?
2. Compare Intranet with Internet?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Intranet?
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