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There is a computer network, similar to Internet in architecture but not connected to actual Internet, that is used by the military. What is the term to describe such network?

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4 Answers 4

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A private network that is accessible only to the employees of an organisation is called an intranet.

Definition: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/intranet

a computer network with restricted access, as within a company, that uses software and protocols developed for the Internet.

The same definition would apply in the military context. The difference might be that an elevated level of security precautions is imposed on such a network.

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  • "Secured intranet" (encrypted, high-reliability, et alis)
    – The Nate
    Oct 2, 2016 at 23:40
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Wide area Network or WAN.

From Wikipedia:

A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network or computer network that extends over a large geographical distance. Wide area networks are often established with leased telecommunication circuits.

Business, education and government entities use wide area networks to relay data among staff, students, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations. In essence, this mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location. The Internet may be considered a WAN.

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    A Local, Campus, or Metropolitan Area Network (LAN/CAN/MAN) could equally be described as "similar to [the] Internet in architecture" yet not meet the subjective ("over a large geographical distance") criterion of a WAN. Oct 2, 2016 at 17:35
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An internet is any TCP/IP network. When used within a single organisation, it is called an intranet. The Internet is simply the public TCP/IP network that hosts the World Wide Web.

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    WWW is only one part of the Internet, not the whole thing.
    – Moyli
    Oct 2, 2016 at 11:01
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    "The Internet is simply the public TCP/IP network that hosts the World Wide Web." would be better wording IMO. Oct 3, 2016 at 6:43
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    This; so much this. "Internet" is so commonly used to mean "the Internet" now that most people (IME) don't realise "internet" is a technological thing in its own right. Oct 3, 2016 at 11:25
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A description of the evolution of

ARPANET -> MILNET -> DDN -> SIPRNet (and NIPRnet)

can be found here.

Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) is the secure network.

Or possibly you mean the

Defense Information Systems Network

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