Exploring the Difference Between Network and Internet

The main difference between network and internet is in their scale and scope. A network refers to a collection of connected devices within a limited area, such as a home, office, or campus. On the other hand, the internet is a global network of networks, spanning the entire planet and connecting billions of devices across diverse locations.

Curious about the difference between a network and the internet?

As IT basics, you need to know how to differentiate them. There are some conceptual overlaps between them, too. Let’s explore them. 

Basic Comparison: Network vs Internet

Aspect	Network	Internet
Definition	Collection of connected devices in a limited area for communication and resource sharing.	Global network of networks connecting devices worldwide for global communication and information sharing.
Scale	Limited in scale, often confined to a specific location like a home or office.	Vast and global, spanning the entire planet, interconnecting networks from various locations.
Connectivity	Connects devices within a localised area, enabling efficient communication and resource sharing.	Connects networks across the globe, facilitating worldwide communication and access to services.
Scope of Resources	Sharing resources like printers, files, and applications within a confined area.	Access to diverse online resources, including websites, cloud storage, and global services.
Ownership	Can be privately owned within an organisation or publicly accessible.	Not owned by any single entity; consists of interconnected networks managed by various entities.
Interdependence	Forms the building blocks that contribute to the composition of the internet.	Relies on networks to connect and facilitate communication among devices.
Infrastructure	Utilises local hardware components like routers and switches for connectivity.	Depends on a complex global infrastructure involving data centres, underwater cables, satellites, and more.
Scale of Impact	Impacts localised operations, communication, and resource sharing.	Impacts global communication, access to information, and services on a massive scale.
Examples	Home network, office network, campus network.	The World Wide Web, global email communication, online services.

Definition of Network

A network is the digital glue that binds devices and systems. It allows them to communicate, collaborate, and share resources within a specified location or organisation. 

Types of Networks

Within these networks, resources are exchanged with ease. Imagine printing a document on the office printer from your laptop, a classic example of resource sharing. Files, applications, and even the internet itself are shared treasures in this digital realm.

Network Type	Description
Personal Area Network (PAN)	It connects devices close to a person, such as a computer, smartphone, and printer.
Local Area Network (LAN)	Devices in a small area, such as a home, office, or school are connected
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)	This connects devices in a city or metropolitan area.
Wide Area Network (WAN)	Devices over a large geographical area, such as a country or continent.
Campus Area Network (CAN)	It connects devices in a university or college campus.
Storage Area Network (SAN)	Connects storage devices, such as disk arrays and tape libraries.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)	Creates a secure connection between two or more devices over a public network, such as the internet.

Definition of Internet

The Internet is the network of networks. It is a sprawling expanse where billions of devices globally unite. At its core, the internet is a complex web of interconnected devices, communicating through standardised protocols. 

Different Types of Internet Connection

Difference Between WWW and Internet

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet

The internet transcends geographical boundaries. It’s the epitome of connectivity, where devices of varying sizes and purposes converse, from smartphones to the massive data centres housing the digital repositories of our age.

Relationship Between Network and Internet

Networks connect to the Internet through ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

ISPs are like the digital gatekeepers that allow networks to access the vast ocean of information and services that the internet provides.

Here is an analogy that might help you understand this better. 

Let’s say, you live in a small town. You can only get to the outside world by going through the town’s main gate. The town gate is like an ISP. It is the gatekeeper that allows you to access the outside world.

Difference in Size and Scope

The difference in scale between networks and the Internet is huge. 

Imagine your local network as a village. It creates intimate connections within a limited space. In contrast, the internet is a vast virtual universe. Networks are confined, personal spaces. The internet is boundless. 

Difference in Administration

A network is usually administered and managed centrally by an organisation. The internet has no single centralised administration or management.

Differences in Resource Sharing

Networks are good at sharing resources that are located in the same place. For example, you can share a printer or a file on a network with other people who are connected to the same network.

The internet is different because it allows you to share resources that are located all over the world. For example, you can access a website or a cloud storage account from anywhere in the world.