MAN Network – Advantages and Disadvantages

There are three primary types of computer networks: LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network). Each of these computer networks serve distinct purposes based on their scale and geographic coverage.

• What is MAN network?
• MAN network example
• How does the MAN network work?
• What are the real-life applications of the MAN network?
• What are the characteristics of MAN network?
• Advantages of MAN network
• Disadvantages of MAN network

What is MAN network?  

The MAN full form, which stands for Metropolitan Area Network, is a computer network that connects computers in a metropolitan area, such as a large city or a university. They can transmit audio, data, and images at speeds of 200 megabits per second or more.

A Metropolitan Area Network is formed by connecting multiple LANs; thus, it covers a larger geographical area than a LAN. A Metropolitan Area Network is more extensive than a LAN network but smaller than a wide-area network (WAN). As the data does not have to travel long distances, MANs are usually more efficient than WANs. Here’s a MAN network diagram:

Metropolitan Area Networks provide high-speed data networks for cities and towns while providing the necessary capacity at a cheaper rate, with greater efficiency than obtaining an equivalent service from a local phone company. A MAN’s operating mechanism is similar to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), but a single organization does not own a MAN network. Like a WAN, a MAN provides its users with shared network connections. Interested in learning about WAN Networks and how they work? If yes, read the What Is WAN and How Does It Function article.

Metropolitan Area Network Example 

There are various examples of a MAN network that we can observe daily. Some of those are:

• Cable TV network
• Telephone networks
• DSL line
• The IUB network
• IEEE 802.16
• WiMAX

How does the MAN network work? 

MAN’s primary goal is to establish a communication link between two independent LAN nodes in order to connect geographically dispersed LANs (almost within 50km diameter). To accomplish this, the Metropolitan Area Network typically uses optical fiber as a transmission medium, and the network is built with the help of routers and switches.

A switch is a port active in the filtration of data, generally coming in the form of frames. A switch can also function as a dual-port device, with one end handling data filtration and the other managing connections. In contrast, a router assists data packets in determining the best path to take and forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses.

What are the real-life applications of the MAN network?

As Metropolitan Area Network covers an area of 50 kilometers in diameter, it can positively help people. Some real-world applications of the Metropolitan Area Network include:

Application	Description
Campus Networks at Universities	MANs are used to connect different buildings within a university, ensuring high-speed data transmission across campuses.
Groundwater Mapping, Urban Analysis	Used for large-scale data gathering and analysis in urban planning and environmental studies.
Public Places (Libraries, Hospitals, Airports)	Provides high-speed connectivity and facilitates data transfer in public spaces for smooth operations and services.
Private Establishments (Schools, Shopping Malls)	Connects various buildings within large establishments, offering efficient networking and communication.

What are the characteristics of MAN network? 

Metropolitan Area Network have numerous distinguishing characteristics. Among these characteristics are:

• Metropolitan Area Network are local area network (LAN) interconnections.
• A Metropolitan Area Network can range in size from 5 to 50 km.
• Data rates range from moderate to high.
• A single organization does not own a Metropolitan Area Network. It is owned by either a user group or a network provider who sells services to users.
• Metropolitan Area Network allows for the sharing of regional resources.
• Metropolitan Area Network provide uplinks from LANs to WANs and the Internet.
• The Metropolitan Area Network ensures the transmission of high-quality voice, data, and video.

You can also explore: What is the Difference Between LAN and WAN?

Advantages of MAN network 

Some of the advantages of a Metropolitan Area Network are:

• It can send data in both directions at the same time.
• Metropolitan Area Network allows people to connect LANs.
• It is more comprehensive than a LAN and offers greater security than a WAN.
• Metropolitan Area Network usually encompasses several city blocks or an entire city.
• It improves data handling efficiency while increasing data transfer speed.
• It facilitates the cost-effective sharing of shared resources such as printers.
• It provides an excellent backbone for a vast network, thus increasing WAN access.
• The implementation cost of a Metropolitan Area Network are lower than WAN since it requires fewer resources.

Disadvantages of MAN network

Some of the disadvantages of a Metropolitan Area Network are:

• The data rate is slow in a Metropolitan Area Network compared to LAN.
• Compared to LAN, more cable is required to set up a Metropolitan Area Network.
• Because this network comprises multiple LANs, it is difficult to keep hackers out.
• These networks must be implemented by skilled technicians and network administrators.
• This network’s implementation and management costs are higher than those of a local area network.
• It is challenging to manage this network because it’s an extensive network of numerous local area networks.
• As skilled technicians and network administrators are needed to implement this network, the overall installation and management costs rise.

You can also explore: What is a Wireless Networking?

Conclusion

A Metropolitan Area Network, is an extensive computer network that connects multiple cities or campuses. Its geographical coverage falls somewhere between a WAN and a LAN. Metropolitan Area Networks connect LANs in a metropolitan region to broader area networks such as the Internet and provide Internet connectivity for LANs.