Which GitHub Enterprise deployment option is best suited for organizations that need GitHub functionality but cannot connect to the internet?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation and Infographic
Air-gapped environments — classified networks, critical infrastructure, highly regulated industries — need GitHub Enterprise Server. GHES runs entirely on your infrastructure with no internet dependency, making it the only viable option when there's no external connectivity.
Full explanation below image
Full Explanation
GitHub Enterprise Server is the only GitHub product that can operate in a fully air-gapped environment with no internet connectivity. GHES runs entirely on customer-managed infrastructure and requires no outbound internet access for core functionality. In air-gapped deployments, administrators must manually transfer updates (upgrade packages) and manage dependencies offline. Features that typically require internet access (like Dependabot vulnerability data, Actions marketplace) can be partially enabled through manual data imports or remain unavailable. GitHub Enterprise Cloud and GitHub.com are hosted SaaS services that require internet connectivity by definition. VPN and IP allow lists restrict access but require internet connectivity to GitHub's servers.