Private network

A network restricted to authorized users, typically separated from public networks by access controls, private addressing, or dedicated infrastructure.

Private IP address: An IP address reserved for use within private networks and not routed across the public internet. Private address ranges let internal devices communicate without using globally routable addresses.
Computer network: A set of interconnected devices that exchange data using communication protocols. A private network is one way to organize and restrict a computer network.
Intranet: An organization’s private internal network, typically offering information and services to its members. An intranet is a familiar private network for internal communication and resources.
Public network: A network available to the general public or operated for broad public connectivity. Its broad accessibility contrasts with the authorization limits of a private network.
Attack surface: The set of points where an attacker could attempt to enter or affect a system. Limiting reachable services can reduce—but cannot eliminate—the network’s exposed entry points.
Network address translation: A method that rewrites IP address information as packets pass through a network device. It lets private-addressed devices reach external networks through a shared public address.
Internet Protocol: The network-layer protocol that addresses and routes packets between devices. IP addressing underlies communication within private networks.
Enterprise network: An organization-wide network connecting users, sites, devices, and services. Enterprises use private networking to connect offices and protect internal systems.
Public internet: The globally interconnected system of networks that uses the Internet Protocol suite. Private networks may connect to the internet, but they are not themselves publicly reachable by default.
Network security: Policies and technologies that protect network infrastructure, traffic, and connected systems. Private networking is one part of the broader practice of securing networks.

Linked from 3 pages