Unit - 2

Network Infrastructure for E- Commerce:

Internet, Intranet, and Extranet-Based E-commerce
1. Introduction

E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services using electronic networks, primarily the
internet. The use of Internet, Intranet, and Extranet plays a crucial role in facilitating different forms
of e-commerce transactions.

1.1 Internet-Based E-commerce

• The Internet is a global network that connects millions of private, public, academic, business,
and government networks.

• Used for B2C (Business-to-Consumer) and B2B (Business-to-Business) transactions.

• Includes websites, payment gateways, online marketplaces, and cloud-based business

models.

• Common technologies: HTTP, HTTPS, TCP/IP, SSL/TLS, VPNs, and cloud computing.

1.2 Intranet-Based E-commerce

• An Intranet is a private network used within an organization to share information and

computing resources.

• Used for internal e-commerce operations like supply chain management, HR portals,
inventory tracking, and employee collaboration.

• Secure and faster than internet-based e-commerce.

• Technologies used: LANs, VPNs, Firewalls, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

1.3 Extranet-Based E-commerce

• An Extranet is an extension of an intranet that allows external partners, suppliers, and

customers to access specific business information.

• Used in B2B transactions, supplier collaboration, and customer relationship management

(CRM).

• Technologies: VPNs, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Firewalls, and Authentication Protocols.

2. Issues in E-commerce Networks

E-commerce networks face various technical and operational challenges, including:

2.1 Security Issues

• Cyber threats: Hacking, Phishing, DDoS attacks, Ransomware, Malware

 • Data privacy concerns: GDPR, CCPA compliance

• Security measures: SSL certificates, encryption, firewalls, multi-factor authentication

2.2 Performance Issues

• Latency: Delays in data transmission due to high traffic.

• Downtime: Server failures or network outages impact business operations.

• Scalability: Need for robust infrastructure to handle increased traffic.

2.3 Infrastructure Issues

• Compatibility challenges between old and new systems.

• High costs of maintaining a reliable and secure network.

2.4 Legal and Compliance Issues

• Tax regulations in different countries.

• Intellectual property rights protection.

• Compliance with e-commerce laws and consumer protection policies.

3. Network Infrastructure for E-commerce

E-commerce requires a robust and scalable network infrastructure, which consists of:

3.1 Network Components

• Servers: Host e-commerce websites, databases, and applications.

• Routers & Switches: Direct data packets between different network segments.

• Firewalls & Security Appliances: Protect against unauthorized access.

3.2 Network Architecture

• Client-Server Architecture: Common for web-based e-commerce.

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Architecture: Used in decentralized e-commerce platforms.

• Cloud-Based Networks: Hosted on cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

3.3 Internet Protocols Used

• HTTP/HTTPS: Secure web communication.

• TCP/IP: Data transmission standard for the internet.

• FTP/SFTP: Secure file transfer.

• DNS: Converts domain names into IP addresses.

4. Network Access Equipment for E-commerce

To access e-commerce platforms, various network access equipment is used, such as:

4.1 Modems

• Convert digital data into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines.

• Types: DSL, Cable Modems, Fiber Optic Modems.

4.2 Routers

• Direct internet traffic between devices in a network.

• Types: Wired, Wireless (Wi-Fi), Edge Routers, Core Routers.

4.3 Switches

• Connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN).

• Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches.

4.4 Wireless Access Points (WAPs)

• Provide Wi-Fi connectivity for mobile devices and IoT applications.

5. Broadband Telecommunication Technologies

Broadband telecommunications play a crucial role in high-speed e-commerce transactions.

5.1 ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)

• High-speed networking standard used for data, voice, and video.

• Advantages: Low latency, high-quality service, scalability.

• Disadvantages: Expensive and complex deployment.

5.2 ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

• Provides digital transmission of voice and data over traditional telephone lines.

• Advantages: Faster than analog modems, supports multiple connections.

• Disadvantages: Replaced by broadband and fiber optic technologies.

5.3 Cell Relay

• Data transmission technique used in ATM networks.

• Efficient for handling large volumes of small data packets.

5.4 Frame Relay

• Packet-switching technology used for WAN connections.

• Advantages: Cost-effective, scalable.

• Disadvantages: Lower speed compared to modern broadband services.

6. Global Information Distribution Networks
These networks enable worldwide e-commerce connectivity and data sharing.

6.1 Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

• Distribute web content across multiple data centres worldwide.

• Examples: Cloudflare, Akamai, AWS CloudFront.

6.2 Satellite Communication Networks

• Provide internet access in remote areas.

• Used by global e-commerce platforms.

6.3 Fiber Optic Networks

• Offer high-speed internet with minimal latency.

• Backbone of global data transmission.

6.4 Cloud Computing & Edge Computing

• Cloud Computing: Scalable infrastructure for e-commerce.

• Edge Computing: Reduces latency by processing data closer to the user.