MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer
network that spans a metropolitan area, such as a large city or a group of
cities and towns. It is more significant than a Local Area Network (LAN) but smaller than
a Wide Area Network (WAN).
Here are some key points about MANs:
- Coverage: MANs typically cover a range of 5 to 50 kilometers.
- Technology: To support data communication, they often use high-speed fiber optic cables and technologies like Ethernet, DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), and IP (Internet Protocol).
- Applications: MANs connect multiple LANs within a city, provide high-speed internet access, and facilitate communication between government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses.
- Advantages: They offer high data transfer rates, improved network reliability, and efficient resource sharing across a metropolitan area.