MAN

Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is a computer network where computers in a city are interconnected with high capacity fiber optical links. The geographical area of Metropolitan Network is larger than LAN connecting many buildings in different areas of a city. Metropolitan Area Network uses technologies from both LAN and WAN. Metropolitan Network might be owned by a private company or government owned Public Sector Company. Cable television connection in a city is a good example for MAN.

Technologies like Asynchronous Transfer Mode, FDDI and SDMS which are used in metropolitan network would be soon replaced by Ethernet technologies like gigabit Ethernet and 10 gigabit Ethernet. These networks use microwave, radio or infrared laser links. Distributed Queue Dual Bus or DQDB which could extend up to thirty kilometers is used for data communication in metropolitan network.

Uses and advantages of Metropolitan Area Network

Fire stations, Newspaper or other Media, Chain of educational institutions and Chain of retail outlets in a city could employ MAN. Metropolitan Networks are found in cities like London, Lodz and Geneva.  Metropolitan Networks are also found in huge universities. The data transfer is high at 1000 mbps. The expense is relatively economical in metropolitan network. The rapid transfer and sharing of files, easy upgrade of programs at a relatively lower cost, security of programs and other important information, centralized software management, easy share of resources, email, flexible access and workgroup computing are the advantages of metropolitan area network.

When Metropolitan area networks are connected through wireless technology, the city gets enhanced as high tech business center. This makes the city more prosperous. Many European cities like Vantaa, Zamora, Dusseldorf and Gotland have benefitted from Metropolitan networks. Administration is simplified with the help of metropolitan networks. People in remote places could have easier access of information and technology. Business applications like VoIP phone service, Video delivery, centralized merchant transactions; remote user access, outsourced network management, compliance requirements and central data storage and backup are highly benefitted from metropolitan area networks.

Equipments of Metropolitan Area Network

However the complex technology and installation involved are the disadvantages of metropolitan area network. Fiber optical cable, adaptors and concentrators are costly. But then, it is a onetime investment. Private corporations find metropolitan area network switching system or MSS more comfortable because it gives high performance.  MSS is installed with DQDB technology. SONET interfaces helps companies to combine the private lines and regulate different traffic patterns into a disciplined data stream.

Questions:

• What are the different technologies involved in MAN?
• What are the advantages of MAN?