Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network represents an intermediate-scale network that extends across a city or large campus environment. MANs bridge the gap between LANs and WANs by providing high-speed connectivity across metropolitan areas, typically covering distances between 5 to 50 kilometers. These networks often interconnect multiple LANs within a city, enabling efficient data sharing between different locations while maintaining relatively high performance standards.

MANs frequently employ fiber optic infrastructure to achieve reliable high-speed connections. They serve as crucial infrastructure for city-wide services, educational institutions, and corporate networks spanning multiple locations within a metropolitan area.