Intranet

In' tra net: a network connecting an affiliated set of clients using standard internet protocols, especially TCP/IP and HTTP.

-- From The Intranet Journal (http://www.intranetjournal.com/)

Characteristics of an intranet:

• Contained: Typically a network (LAN) within an organization
• Shielded: Offers the "common language" of internet without the loss of privacy of the Internet
• Gated: Can be connected via gateways to selected Internet content or access
• Functional: a fully operational network for organization-wide communication, information, and interaction

Functions of an intranet: communication, information, interaction.