The difference between an intranet as opposed to the Internet is simply one of access. Intranet's typically use the exact same protocols and network connections as the Internet. The difference is that an intranet is only accessible to the members of the private network it serves. This is in stark contrast to the Internet which is meant to be accessible by the public.

The most common example of an intranet is a private company network. Access to the intranet is controlled through the use of firewalls and other user authorization protocols and systems, facilitated by various hardware and software components. However, sometimes it is necessary to open a remote connection to the intranet to allow access to employees or other trusted members in the field. Examples of two of the protocols used to allow these remote connections include SSH (Secure Socket Shell) and VPN (Virtual Private Network). Remote access to a private network is sometimes referred to as tunneling