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MAN stands for the Metropolitan Area Network. It is a computer network that joins numerous Local Area Networks (LANs) to create a bigger network that can share resources. This kind of network has a wider coverage area than a LAN, but it is still less extensive than a WAN intended to cover the entire city. MAN is specifically made to give consumers access to high-speed connectivity with a range of Mbps. The MAN architecture is highly intricate. It is therefore challenging to develop and maintain.
History of MAN
Businesses generally relied on public switched telecommunication systems for LAN connectivity when they were first introduced in 1994 to allow data communication in buildings and offices. However, the telephone network could not manage that traffic volume. Therefore, it was suggested that LANs be connected via single-mode optical fibre lines, leading to the development of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) to connect LANs effectively. These fibre optic MANs are run and owned by private companies or organisations, and they may not have been completely integrated through gateways with the public Wide Area Network (WAN).
The Characteristics of MAN
- It can transport information from a collection of buildings to the entire city over a range of 5 to 50 km.
- Optical fibres are the most often employed medium in MAN, resulting in high-speed communication.
- Data rates in MAN range from average to high.
- MAN networks have a very low error rate, which makes them highly reliable.
Advantages of MAN
- The cost of MAN to WAN attachment is lower. MAN provides data with good efficiency. Data may be conveniently controlled centrally in MAN.
- Local emails can be sent quickly and cost-free on MAN.
- Users may be able to share their connection to the internet in some MAN installations. Thereby allowing numerous users to share high-speed internet.
- Data speeds can easily approach 1000 Mbps thanks to MAN’s use of fibre optics. Databases and files can be moved quickly.
Disadvantages of MAN
- It becomes more challenging to handle MAN as it grows. A security issue and additional customisations can be the cause of this.
- Compared to LAN, MAN has a higher likelihood of network hacker attacks, therefore leading to data leaks. Data may be protected only with the right personnel and security measures.
- MAN cannot operate on conventional copper phone cables. Installing MAN on copper cables will result in low speed. As a result, installing fibre optics for the first time was expensive.
- Another issue with MAN is that extra cables are needed to connect two LANs.
What is the Function of a MAN?
Greater than LAN and lower than WAN is a Metropolitan Area Network. It is typically used to link LANs that are spread out geographically. Creating a communications link between two autonomous LAN nodes is the purpose of MAN. Optical fibre is typically used to construct MAN networks. Switches and routers are used to create the network. A switch is a port that is actively involved in filtering data, which typically comes in the form of frames. Any switch can function as a dual port. On one end, it manages connections and on the other, it filters data.
