Difference between Network and Internet

The main difference between the internet and a network is that a network is made up of tightly linked computers and can be utilized as personal computers to share data with one another. In contrast, the internet is a technology that links these small and large networks to form a huge network. The network may be covered to extend up to a country, whereas the internet may connect countries, continents, and even more.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between networks and the internet. But before discussing the differences, you must know about networks and the internet with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is a Network?

A network is a group of autonomous computer systems that are connected together. These interconnected computer systems can exchange information with one another. However, these systems also work separately. A network is an outcome of combining two technologies: communication and computer. As a result, the combination of computer and network provides an integrated system that may transmit all types of data and information. It doesn't distinguish between data processing and data communications. Moreover, there is no distinction between data, speech, and video communication.

Major networking technologies are developed and designed for a specific purpose. For instance, many organizations have their own networks that link the many departments and employee systems within the organization. As a result, each company or organization chooses hardware technology that fits their budget and specific communication requirements.

Furthermore, developing a single universal network technology was impracticable as only some networks may accommodate all purposes. High-speed networks are required by some applications to connect the computer systems in a building. Inexpensive solutions that meet the requirement cannot connect far-flung equipment over enormous geographic distances or via slow networks.

Types of Network

There are mainly three types of networks, LAN, MAN, and WAN.

LAN

LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. It connects a limited number of systems in a relatively small or limited area. For example, a floor or nearby surrounding the building.

MAN

MAN is an abbreviation for Metropolitan area Network, and it is a network of communication infrastructure built in and around large cities.

WAN

WAN is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network. It's a network that links two or multiple local-area networks across a long distance. It also covers a large area, like a province, state, and country.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Network

There are various advantages and disadvantages of the network. Some main advantages and disadvantages of the network are as follows:

Advantages

1. It provides a high-capacity load balancing.
2. Files may be transferred and made accessible to all users in an organization by hosting them on a central node (the file server).
3. Computer networks are adaptable for several reasons. They give users the opportunity to learn about everything they need to know.
4. Computer networking ensures data backup for continuous operation. As a result, you no longer need to be concerned about device and device failure.
5. The use of computers and a computer network facilitates collaboration in the corporate world. All of these tasks, whether linking teams, organizing social occasions, or obtaining personal responses, may be completed comfortably.

Disadvantages

1. The network lacks independence as everything is centralized. As a result, single users cannot utilize the system as they require.
2. Network monitoring is required to ensure network performance and functionality. As a result, if you wish to keep your computer system network running smoothly, you'll require a team of experts.
3. Because computer networks allow access to a wide range of content like entertainment, games, and movies, it is easy to become addicted to the services and overuse them. Excessive screen time may induce weariness, eye strain, and body aches, making you feel drowsy.
4. Viruses and malware may readily spread between systems connected to a network. If any one of the systems has been infected, malware is very likely to affect the remaining PCs, and it may be avoided by performing frequent malware checks.
5. Setting up a network needs expensive hardware like hubs, switches, routers, and cabling. The cost increases further depending on the number of systems added to the network.

What is Internet?

The word internet is a short form of internetworking. It is a collection of networks like LAN, MAN, and WAN connections that work consistently using suitable hardware and software. It works by utilizing the TCP and IP protocol suite and IP as the addressing protocol. Internet communication has become an important component of our daily life. The internet provides information on a wide range of topics, including stock prices, atmospheric and meteorological conditions in a certain location, crop production, airline traffic, etc. It is a network comprising public and private networks, business, academic, sales, finance, and government networks. It is a network and is known as a network of networks.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet

There are various advantages and disadvantages of the internet. Some main advantages and disadvantages of the internet are as follows:

Advantages

1. You can send money over the internet using the net banking system. Money may be transferred from one account to another.
2. You have access to social media and digital products due to the internet, which has created a number of new job opportunities in fields like social media marketing and digital marketing. Online businesses are making huge amounts of money simply as the internet enables you to do so.
3. The internet's communication barrier has been removed. You may send messages through Whatsapp, email, and Facebook. Voice chat and video calls are also options for performing online meetings.
4. There are various possibilities for internet entertainment. You can listen to music, view web series, view movies, play games, and listen to podcasts. YouTube itself is a knowledge and entertainment powerhouse.
5. You may also do so many things without any physical effort, such as online buying anything from stationery to clothing, books to personal products, etc. You may also book train and plane tickets online.

Disadvantages

1. Spending too much time on the internet looking through social network applications and doing nothing reduces your productivity. Instead of wasting time scrolling via social media apps, use that time to do something skillful and more productive.
2. Small children are extremely glued to the internet, and spending all of their time watching movies and playing games is not beneficial for their general personality or social development.
3. Spending too much time on the internet has negative effects on your health. Your physical body needs some outdoor games, exercise, and other things. Looking at a screen for an extended period of time has major consequences for the eyes.
4. The internet has provided a free tool in social media applications to all those who constantly try to spread negativity with repulsive and disgusting words and bully each other, which is unacceptable.
5. Cyberbullying, hacking, spam, viruses, and data theft are just a few of the crimes that are on the rise these days. Cybercriminals may easily break into your system, which holds all of your personal data.

Key differences between the Network and Internet

Here, you will learn the various key differences between networks and the internet. Various differences between networks and the internet are as follows:

1. A network is a collection of two or multiple connected computer systems that may share resources, such as an internet connection, an app, a printer, etc. In contrast, the internet is a network of interconnected devices that are spread around the globe.
2. The objective of the network is to exchange data and collaborate with peers. In contrast, the primary internet goal is to get knowledge and communicate over the internet.
3. A network connects thousands of computer systems at once. In comparison, the internet simultaneously links millions of computers.
4. A network is a set of computers and devices that are connected through WAN, CAN, LAN, or HAN. In contrast, the internet is a global system connecting numerous types of electronic equipment worldwide.
5. A network is managed and handled by a single entity with administrative rights. In contrast, no entity has control over the internet's system.
6. A network may only cover a limited distance. In contrast, the internet is available from anywhere in the world.
7. A basic network connecting three to four devices may be inexpensive. In contrast, the internet requires the purchase of expensive internetworking devices.

Head-to-head comparison between the Network and Internet

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between the network and the internet. The main differences between the network and the internet are as follows:

Conclusion

The phrases network and internet appear to be on the same level. However, the network is said to be owned by a specific group, organization, and community. In contrast, the internet is open to all users and is not privately owned.