In today’s digital world, the term “Internet” and “network” are often used interchangeably. However, they represent distinct concepts with different scopes and functionalities. A network provides local connectivity and resource sharing, while the internet provides global connectivity by linking these individual networks together. A network is usually managed and controlled by a single entity, such as a company or organization. The internet, however, has no central authority. This article explores, the difference between Internet and Network (Network vs. Internet), and how they work together.
What is a Computer Network?
The network is a connection between two computer devices to share resources like internet connection, printer, apps, etc. It is a collection of computers or other devices that are connected to wireless technology or transmission media. The network provides connectivity between two devices present within the restricted range where one person is only authorized to manage the entire system. Networks facilitate data sharing, resource allocation, and communication within a limited or extensive range.
Networks can be classified based on their size and purpose:
- Local Area Network (LAN) – A LAN connects devices within a small geographical area, such as a home, office, or school. It typically uses Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi.
- Wide Area Network (WAN) – A WAN connects multiple LANs over large geographical distances. The Internet is the most extensive example of a WAN.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) – A MAN covers a city or a large campus and is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
- Personal Area Network (PAN) – A PAN connects devices within an individual’s personal space, such as Bluetooth connections between a smartphone and wireless earbuds.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) – A VPN provides a secure and encrypted connection over a public or private network, ensuring data privacy and security.
What is the Internet?
The Internet (short for inter-network) is a global system that uses TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) suite to connect various electronic devices. It is a huge collection of interconnecting devices with speed around the globe. Internet is the network of the network which is composed of different networks like public, private, academic, government and others. The Internet facilitates various services, including web browsing, email, cloud computing, and online streaming.
How the Internet Works
- ISPs (Internet Service Providers) – These companies provide access to the Internet for individuals and organizations.
- IP Addresses – Every device connected to the Internet has a unique IP address, allowing it to send and receive data.
- DNS (Domain Name System) – The DNS translates human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into numerical IP addresses, enabling seamless connectivity.
- Protocols and Data Transmission – The Internet relies on protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SMTP to facilitate communication between devices and servers.
Differences Between a Network and the Internet
In simple words, the network is a collection of devices that can communicate with each other on the other hand the Internet is a collection of networks that can communicate with each other.
- The network is a structure in which two or more than two computers are connected to exchange data and information. On the other hand, the internet is a type of network and networks of the network, that can connect.
- The working range of the network is limited whereas the area of operation for the internet is the whole world.
- A network connecting with three of four devices can be very affordable, but with the internet, internetworking is required which can be pretty costly.
- The network is interactive over are face to face connections. The internet won’t always allow the face to face interaction.
- There are different types of networks available such as – LAN, MAN, WAN, Campus Area Networks and Home Area Networks. However, there’s only one type of internet presence that is the World Wide Web.
- The network aims to connect and complete work at a fast pace. On the contrary, the internet has soul purpose to get access to the latest news and information.
| Feature | Network | Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A group of interconnected devices that share data and resources. | A global system of interconnected networks that enables worldwide communication. |
| Scope | Limited to a specific area (home, office, institution, or organization). | Global and accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection. |
| Ownership | Can be private, managed by an organization or individual. | Public, with multiple stakeholders like ISPs and global entities. |
| Security | More control over security and access. | More vulnerable to cyber threats due to its open nature. |
| Examples | LAN, WAN, PAN, VPN. | World Wide Web, email services, social media platforms. |
Requirements of Network
- It is the quickest and most effective way of transferring and sharing data.
- The network version of all the software will be cost-effective for you as compared to buying a licensed copy.
- You don’t have to load every software on your computer, you can just load to the primary server and connect to the network to use every software on your computer.
- It is easy to operate and connect.
- It is an Internet access sharing system.
- Network improves your performance by balancing the workload.
Requirements of Internet
- It is a network of computers at different geographical locations around the globe.
- You can send email messages to anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
- You can receive or send information from one computer to another.
- With the help of the internet, you can participate in numerous debates groups or newsgroups.
- It facilitates small and larger business organizations to sell their products online with minimal investment.
- It has availed information to everyone at their tip of a finger. Now, nobody needs to search over piles of books to retrieve a small amount of information.
- You can stay updated with the knowledge of the latest news.
- You can communicate and connect with people who possess same interests as you.
- People can easily pay their utility bills online by using their credit card or debit card details.
Features of Network
- It presents a high capacity of Load Balancing.
- It covers indoors as well as outdoors.
- The network is determined by the weighted algorithm.
- It has web content or application filtering.
Features of Internet
- It is a global network that connects lots of devices.
- It is a decentralized system.
- The Internet can be accessed in multiple ways.
- Every computer working over the internet is a separate identity.
Limitations of Network
- To set up a network, hardware and software are required which can be pretty costly.
- Sometimes it gets connected with undesirable connections.
- It can invite illegal connections.
- Data security is very weak.
- To regularly maintain the network, you have to invest a considerable amount of time and expertise.
Limitations of the Internet
- It gives freedom to everyone to say anything. It could be a bad influence on young minds.
- The data presented by search engines can be irrelevant.
- It can replace face to face interaction by losing the human touch.
- The Internet needs high speed to function.
- Working with the internet is a tiring job.
- The Internet has made people lazy as they don’t use their common sense anymore to find a piece of information.
Conclusion
Internet and network are two terms that are interlinked with one another, but still, they are very different from each other. It’s just that the Internet is a type of network that functions globally and the network is a simple connection.
A network is usually present within a restricted geographical location, whereas the internet is broader, and ranges from one country to another.
The Internet allows people to access the web and get more information about things around the world whereas a network helps in connecting people together, so they work properly and get tasks done. Also read:
