What defines an intranet?

The definition of an intranet is best captured by characterizing it as a private version of the Internet that is confined to an organization. An intranet is designed to facilitate internal communication and information sharing among members of the organization, often utilizing many of the same technologies and protocols as the Internet, such as web browsers and server systems. However, unlike the broader Internet, access to an intranet is restricted to authorized users, ensuring that sensitive data is kept secure within the organization’s network.

This internal network can host resources such as documents, databases, and tools tailored for organizational use, thus enhancing collaboration and productivity. The significance of maintaining this private nature lies in its ability to provide a controlled environment for information flow and improved efficiency in communication without the risks associated with exposing that information to the public domain.

The other options represent different network formats or concepts, but they do not align with the definition of an intranet, emphasizing the distinctiveness of a private organizational network as compared to public or social networking platforms.