Chapter 2 The Intranet and Extranets 1 The

Chapter 2 The Intranet and Extranets 1

The Internet is a public and global communication network that provides direct connectivity to anyone via a Local Area Network (LAN) and an Internet Service provider (ISP). Access to the Internet is not restricted to anyone. There is no centralized control of network and information. 2

The Intranets An intranet is a corporate LAN and/or Wide Area Network (WAN) that is secured behind company’s firewalls and it uses Internet technologies. Although intranets are developed using the same TCP/IP protocol as the Internet, they operate as private networks with limited access. Intranets are limited to information pertinent to the company and contain exclusive and often proprietary and sensitive information. Firewalls protect intranets from unauthorized outside access. 3

The Intranet (cont. ) Servers ERP Clients Legacy systems Public/External Internet Users Intranet E-mail servers Web servers Firewalls Databases 4

The Extranet y. An extranet implies an “extended intranet”, which uses TCP/IP protocol networks (like the Internet) to link intranets in different locations. Extranet transmissions are conducted over the Internet to save money. But it offers no privacy or transmission security. By creating tunnels of secure data flows using cryptography and authorization algorithms, called VPNs, the security can be improved. y. Extranets provide secure connectivity between a corporation’s intranets and intranets of its business partners, material suppliers, financial services, and customers. 5

The Extranet (cont. ) Extranet Suppliers Intranet VPN Distributors VPN Firewall Tunneling Internet Intranet VPN Customers Firewall 6

Summary : Internet, Intranet, and Extranet Network Type Internet Typical Users Any individual with dial-up access or LAN Type of Access Unlimited, public; no restrictions Intranet Authorized employees ONLY Authorized groups from collaborating companies Private and restricted Extranet Private and outside authorized partners Information General, public and advertisement Specific, corporate and proprietary Shared in authorized collaborating group 7

Firewalls z. Definition of Firewall y. Software and hardware that allows only those external users with specific characteristics to access a protected network y. Provides potential customers with secured account, credit card, and loan information y. Usually located at a gateway point and controls traffic between internal and external networks 8

Generic Functions of an Intranet z Corporate/department/individual Web-pages z Database access: Web-based databases z Search engines and directory: Assist key word-based search z Interactive communication: Chatting, audio and videoconferencing z Document distribution and workflow: Web-based download and routing of documents z Groupware: Enhanced e-mail and a bulletin board z Telephony: Intranets are the perfect conduit for computer-based telephony z Integration with electronic commerce: Interface with Internetbased electronic sales and purchasing z Extranet: Link geographically dispersed branches, customers and suppliers to authorize sections of Internets. Can create happier customers, more efficient suppliers, and reduce operating costs 9

Elements of Extranets z. Components of Extranets y. Tunneling technology y. Intranets y. Interface software y. Web server y. Business application y. Firewalls y. Internet Service Provider (ISP) z. Methods to Configure Extranets y. They can be implemented using a direct leased line with full control over it, linking all intranets y. A secure link can be created across the Internet, which can be used by the corporation as a virtually private network (VPN) 10

Virtually Private Network (VPN) z VPN is a secure network on the Internet using the tunneling schemes z The major objective of a VPN is to use the Internet as an inexpensive WAN backbone z When two sites are connected across a VPN, each must have a VPN-capable router, firewall, or VPN access device installed z When VPN is used to link mobile clients with Internet dial-up connections, the laptops must be equipped with VPN client software equipped with the addresses and associated encryption keys for corporate host sites 11

Four Categories of Extranet Products and Services z. Extranet development tools z. Extranet hosting and network connectivity z. Extranet services z. VPNs 12

Categories of Extranet Application z. Enhanced Communications z. Productivity Enhancements z. Business Enhancements z. Cost Reduction z. Information Delivery 13