3.3 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN). 

The term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into a single larger network (which may then also offer efficient connection to a wide area network). It is also used to mean the interconnection of several local area networks by bridging them with backbone lines. The latter usage is also sometimes referred to as a campus network.

Examples of metropolitan area networks of various sizes can be found in the metropolitan areas of London, England; Lodz, Poland; and Geneva, Switzerland. Large universities also sometimes use the term to describe their networks. A recent trend is the installation of wireless MANs.

Advantages 

1. The biggest advantage of MANs is the bandwidth (potential speed) of the connecting links. 
2. This means that resources (such as databases and files) shared on the network can be accessed extremely quickly. 
3. Some installations allow multiple users to share the same high-speed Internet connection, thereby sharing the cost of the service and securing a better quality of service through collective bargaining and economies of scale.

Disadvantages

1. The key disadvantage of MANs is the cost of the cutting-edge technology employed. Also, this equipment generally has to be installed for the first time, as the copper traditionally used for the phone network is generally considered to be too slow to be annexed for this purpose. 
2. The cost is what inhibits the geographical reach of MANs, which is also another drawback.