What is an Extranet?

An Extranet is correctly defined as an expanded Intranet for external users. This means that it is a private network that extends the functionalities and access of a company's internal network to authorized users outside the organization, such as partners, suppliers, or customers. This allows for a controlled interaction and sharing of information while maintaining security and privacy.

The Extranet facilitates communication and collaboration, enabling external users to access certain resources, applications, or information without exposing the entire internal network to the public. This capability is crucial for businesses that need to work closely with vendors or customers but want to limit access to sensitive internal data.

In contrast, an Intranet is strictly for internal use within a single organization, so it doesn’t serve external users. A public Wi-Fi network operates independently of organized networks, and a communication tool for local networks typically refers to systems designed for internal, localized communications without the collaborative aspect with external entities.