MAN Network: Definition, Functions, and Examples

Have you ever heard of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)? A Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN, is a type of computer network commonly used in offices, education institutes, and so on.

If you are planning to use a MAN network in your office or other building, you need to know what is Metropolitan Area Network is, as well as its functions, benefits, and examples.

This guide will take you through the ins and outs of MAN computer networks so that you can consider using them in your office or building.

What Is Metropolitan Area Network?

First, let's learn what is Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN. A Metropolitan Area Network is a computer network that connects multiple locations in a city.

This computer network has a range of 10 to 50 km, which is wider than a Local Area Network (LAN).

Due to its nature of connecting locations in a city, MAN is suitable for connecting networks in an office to other offices that are still in the same area.

MAN computer networks also connect LAN networks that are separated in an area so that they can be connected quickly and efficiently.

Offices connected to the MAN can share devices connected to the network, such as the same printer, server, or Internet connection.

Metropolitan Area Network Features

As well as knowing the definition of a Metropolitan Area Network, you also need to understand the functions of this computer network.

With a wider reach than LANs, MAN computer networks are designed to connect devices in an area so that they can communicate effectively.

MAN is usually used by large offices with several separate branches, but still in the same city.

In addition, MAN is often used by some education institutes that have separate buildings but are still in the same city.

This allows offices or education institutes to use the network to exchange data quickly, securely, and efficiently.

Benefits of Metropolitan Area Network

Now that you know what a is Metropolitan Area Network, let's look at the benefits of using a network with only one or two cables.

The following are the benefits of using a Metropolitan Area Network:

1. High Speed

MAN is known as a high-speed network that can facilitate the transfer of large amounts of data from one office to another. This allows tasks to be carried out more efficiently.

2. Improving Network Security

MAN also has a wide range of network security features such as intrusion detection systems, VPNs, and firewalls.

These features ensure the data transmission process runs safely without interference or external threats.

3. Can be Used on Multiple Network Protocols

MAN networks can be used on network protocols such as MPLS, Ethernet, and SONET, which play a role in maintaining traffic and communication security.

In addition, MAN also supports the use of other applications or devices on its network.

4. Evolves as Needed

The final advantage of MAN is that it is expandable or scalable. You can add a new LAN network to the MAN without disturbing the already installed network. 

This allows you to manage the use of the MAN when you open a branch or install a new network in another agency building.

Disadvantages of Metropolitan Area Network

In addition to knowing what is Metropolitan Area Network and its benefits, you need to know the disadvantages of using this computer network so that you can mitigate the risks involved.

Here are the disadvantages of using a MAN:

1. Single Point of Failure

The first disadvantage of using a MAN computer network is a single point of failure, or if there is a fault at the network center, the whole connected network will be affected and experience downtime.

2. High Cost

In addition, MAN networks have high installation and regular maintenance costs. These costs will continue to increase as more networks are connected.

3. Limited Coverage

Although MAN networks have a wider coverage than LANs, they can only cover one city. 

Therefore, this network cannot be used to connect branches in other cities or provinces. If you want to connect offices more widely, you must use another network.

4. Risk of Cyber Attack

MAN networks have security features, including a firewall. However, there is still a risk of being attacked by malware or other cyber threats. Therefore, it is still recommended that you use additional security features to be more secure.

5. Has a Complex Design

You need expert help to set up a MAN network because it has a more complex design than other networks.

Example of Metropolitan Area Network

You have understood the meaning of Metropolitan Area Network, its functions, advantages, and disadvantages. Now let's look at the following examples of MAN usage in different systems.

One example of the use of MAN is in the banking industry. As we know, banks always have a head office and several branches in a city.

To connect, the bank branches use a MAN network. This allows each branch and head office bank employee to send data to each other quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

That was all for a Metropolitan Area Network, you need to know the benefits, features, and drawbacks before using it in your business.

By using MAN, you can boost employee performance and increase company profits. When it comes to increasing your company's profits, you also need to consider using a comprehensive strategy to achieve this. 

In this case, you can use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). However, doing it yourself is a challenge because you will have to hire your SEO team at a significant cost.

Use SEO Services by cmlabs to increase your company's online visibility in search engines. Share your company's needs with our marketing team and increase your company's profits now.