extranet

An extranet is an extended intranet in which external participants with access authorization and several separate networks also operate in the intranet network. The external networks are connected via the Internet and form subnets within an intranet with their own IP addressing.

Different techniques are used for extranets, such as IP tunnels with Generic Routing Encapsulation( GRE), frame relay, ATM or Multi-Protocol Label Switching( MPLS). External participants of an extranet are business partners with whom online communication takes place. Internet participants can only use the extranet if they have the appropriate access options.

The extranet creates access to global markets for companies. Extranets can drastically reduce online communication costs. As a cost-effective and secure medium for e-commerce, extranets are expected to greatly accelerate the growth of e-commerce, influence existing business processes and promote communication between business partners.