Extranet

Details - Frequently Asked Questions - Anecdotes - Links to other sites

 
Definition
An extranet is a private Web site which is accessed by a limited group of users over the Internet. Those outside the limited group are prevented from getting access to the site by means of passwords and possibly other techniques.
Discussion
Extranets are an ideal solution for when a group of people in different locations need to share confidential information. A typical example is a company which needs to keep its distributors informed about product availability and pricing. The information could be placed on a Web site and if necessary updated on a minute by minute basis. Providing the distributors have access to a reliable telephone service they can get access to the Internet at a reasonable price, and specifically access the product information Web site. However the information on the site could be of value to the company's competitors. What is to stop them from accessing the Web site? The simple answer is to require a user name and password before anyone can get access to the site. Each of the distributors is given a user name and password so that they can get access - and no-one else can.  This final step of restricting access to a closed group is what turns the Internet application into an Extranet.
More Details (sometimes Technical)
What happens if someone who is not allowed access to the Extranet discovers a valid user name and password? If no additional safeguards are implemented then that person can get access. One of the things that can be done is use a mechanism called cookies to store a token on the users hard disk to show they are valid users. Then when anyone attempts to visit the Web site, it checks that the user name is being used from the approved machine.
What is the difference between an Extranet and an Intranet? See the following table:
  Which network? Restrictions to Access to Web sites
Internet Public (the Internet) None
Intranet Private (usually owned by Intranet owner) Anyone on the private network
Extranet Public (the Internet) Only those who have been granted access
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© New Media in Business Ltd 1997-2000
Last updated: 12 May 2000

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