Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
MAN
interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region
larger than that covered by even a large LAN but smaller than the area covered
by a WAN. The term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into
a single large network (which may then also offer an efficient connection to a
WAN). It is also used to interconnect several LANs by bridging them with
backbone lines.
interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region
larger than that covered by even a large LAN but smaller than the area covered
by a WAN. The term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into
a single large network (which may then also offer an efficient connection to a
WAN). It is also used to interconnect several LANs by bridging them with
backbone lines.
There are
three important features that separate MANs from LANs or WANs:
three important features that separate MANs from LANs or WANs:
1. The network
size falls immediate between LANs and WANs. A MAN typically covers an area
between 5 and 50 KM diameter. Many MANs cover an area of the size of a city,
although in some cases, MANs may be as small as a group of buildings or as
large as New Delhi.
size falls immediate between LANs and WANs. A MAN typically covers an area
between 5 and 50 KM diameter. Many MANs cover an area of the size of a city,
although in some cases, MANs may be as small as a group of buildings or as
large as New Delhi.
2. A MAN (like
a WAN) is generally not owned by a single organization. Generally, the Man is owned by any individual company or network provider or by a consortium of users. This level
of service provided to each user must, therefore, be negotiated with the MAN
.operator, and some performance guarantees are normally specified.
a WAN) is generally not owned by a single organization. Generally, the Man is owned by any individual company or network provider or by a consortium of users. This level
of service provided to each user must, therefore, be negotiated with the MAN
.operator, and some performance guarantees are normally specified.
3. We can use MAN as a large LAN in large scale. It is also frequently used to add a shared connection to other networks using a link to a WAN. MAN is used to provide regional networks which share
the cost of access to a WAN.
the cost of access to a WAN.
Ø
NOTE:-
(i) MAN are networks spread over a city. For example, cable T.V. networks are spread over a city.
NOTE:-
(i) MAN are networks spread over a city. For example, cable T.V. networks are spread over a city.
(ii) MAN is a network
that is utilized across multiple buildings. A MAN is much larger than a
standard LAN but is not as large as a WAN. It is commonly used in school campuses,
large universities and large companies with multiple buildings.
that is utilized across multiple buildings. A MAN is much larger than a
standard LAN but is not as large as a WAN. It is commonly used in school campuses,
large universities and large companies with multiple buildings.
