What is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) | Uses, Pros and Cons of MANs
May 27th, 2022
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3 mins 36 secs
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networks
networking
computer network
man
metropolitan area network
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SET U
A Metropolitan Area Network is a
computer network that spans a metropolitan area, often used to connect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) together. MANs are usually built using high-speed lines such as T1, T3, OC3, or OC12. They can also be built using Wireless, Fiber optics or a combination of these technologies.
A MAN can also be connected to Wide Area Networks (WANs), which allows for even greater networking flexibility. Although MANs are typically used by large organizations that need to connect multiple LANs together, smaller organizations can also utilize this area network, but the cost of MANs can be prohibitive for some.
Metropolitan Area Networks offer many benefits, including increased networking speed and reliability, along with better security and privacy than WANs. There are two types of MANs - private or public. Private MANs are usually owned and operated by a single organization, while public MANs are open to anyone who wishes to use them.
What is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Used For?
- MANs can be used to connect LANs together, WANs together, or both
- MANs can be used to connect to the Internet
- A MAN can be used for data, voice, or video communication
- MANs can also be used for storage area networks (SANs) or for disaster recovery
- It can be designed to support different types of traffic, including real-time video and audio traffic, data traffic, or a combination of both
- MANs can also be designed to support different levels of security, including data encryption and user authentication.
How is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Built or Designed?
- MANs can be built using various technologies, including ATM, Ethernet, Frame Relay, SONET, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Voice over IP (VoIP), or Storage area networks (SANs)
- MANs can also be built using wireless technologies such as WiFi and WiMAX
- It can be designed using many different topologies as well, including star, ring, mesh, and tree
- MAN can also be designed using different protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), or Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
- It can also be built using different media, including twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or wireless.
Advantages of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Usually faster and more reliable than WANs
- Better security and privacy than WANs
- Can be designed using many different topologies, including star, ring, mesh, and tree
MANs offer many benefits, including increased networking speed, reliability, better security, and privacy. It also shies with its added benefits of the various ways it can be used, built, and designed, all contributing to a more flexible area networking system.
Disadvantages of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?
- MANs can be complex to design and implement
- MANs can be vulnerable to single points of failure
- MANs can be susceptible to eavesdropping and interception.
Conclusion
A MAN can offer many advantages as an area network, including increased speed, reliability, and security. However, Metropolitan Area Networks can also be a bit complex to design, implement, and more expensive, especially for small organizations, and they can be vulnerable to single points of failure. When deciding whether to use a MAN or a WAN, you should consider your specific needs and requirements, and we believe it varies for everyone.
