What is a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)?

MAN network (Metropolitan Area Networks) provides high-speed communication across geographic areas. Specifically, MANs connect LANs within a range of 50 kilometers. Thus, we establish seamless communication between remote nodes.

In this article, I will explain the parts, applications, and advantages of the MAN structure. We will look at the functionality and capabilities, emphasizing their use for both public and private networks.

What is MAN Network?

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects geographically close LANs at high speed. This structure covers an area of ​​about fifty kilometers. As a result, a MAN allows two distant nodes to communicate as if they were in the same LAN.

In addition, a MAN consists of switches and routers connected by high-speed fiber optic cables. These structures increase the connection speed and speed up data transmission.

In addition, these networks have various applications. For example, traditional analog telephone lines are eliminated with the use of VoIP services. This reduces costs and improves LAN performance.

At the same time, users can establish connections in Wi-Fi zones without wireless backhaul (Femtocell). In short, it improves the connection of Wi-Fi users by more than 60%.

In addition, MAN networks support computer-to-computer connections. They also use this type of LAN for urban video surveillance systems and CAD/CAM transmission. As a result, it also plays a vital role in wide area network (WAN) gateways.

Public and Private MAN Network

A metropolitan system can be private or public. For example, a large administrative department uses its own MAN between buildings spread across a city.

It also routes external information via public operators. In this case, you transport data in packets or on fixed bandwidth channels. This way, you can connect buildings for video applications.

Moreover, you can choose the MAN type for meetings, simulations, or project collaboration. For example, telecommunications operators use it to provide broadband services to customers in a public structure. But of course, they only offer these services within a particular geographic area.

What are the Components of a MAN Network?

The components of the MAN include the applications and services requested by users. These are:

• Workstations
• Central Computers
• Personal Computers
• LAN Nodes

LAN nodes are devices that provide services to businesses that are part of the network. The main functions are:

• It temporarily stores information until the transmission channel is released.
• It filters information traveling over the LAN.
• It serially converts LAN information into business information.
• It obtains access rights to the transmission medium.

1. Cabling System

This system consists of cables that connect network nodes and workstations.

2. Communication Protocols

It specifies the rules and procedures for communication between nodes. Protocols define the levels of communication. Additionally, the MAN network supports higher-level protocols that follow the OSI hierarchy.

3. Applications

Applications possible on this LAN include:

• Message processing systems (MHS)
• File management
• Access and transfer (FTAM)
• Electronic data interchange (EDI)

MAN Network Services in Construction

The following is a classification of possible services offered by metropolitan LANs:

• Non-Connection Oriented Services

This allows data transfer without establishing a previous connection.

• Connection-Oriented Services

This structure requires a connection before it can carry user data.

• Isochronous Services

They are used when there are strict bandwidth requirements, such as the transmission of confident voice and video services. Some applications require continuous transmission of information at specific intervals (synchronous).

In this case, although there is a new FDDI-II standard that supports synchronous traffic, not all technologies support such applications as FDDI.

Advantages of Establishing a MAN

There are several reasons to set up a MAN structure or access a public network with the same features. Here are some reasons to summarize:

1) Bandwidth

The high bandwidth required for large computers and shared network applications is the main reason for using metropolitan area networks instead of LANs.

2) Network Nodes

Metropolitan networks support more than 500 access nodes. As a result, they are very effective for public and private environments. In addition, these LANs allow for efficient management of large numbers of jobs.

3) Network Extension

Metropolitan LANs can reach a diameter of 50 km, depending on the type of cable and technology.

Also, this diameter is usually sufficient to cover a metropolitan area. The type of cable and technology used determines the spacing between LAN nodes. In this case, metropolitan LAN structures provide adequate coverage over this width.

4) Distance Between Nodes

Metropolitan networks allow distances of several kilometers between nodes, depending on the type of cable. Plus, these distances are sufficient to connect buildings in a metropolitan area.

In addition, users can also use them on private campuses. In short, these networks provide effective connectivity over large areas.

5) Real-Time Traffic

Metropolitan structures provide fast data transmission even when the LAN load is high. They also support synchronous services for real-time applications.

This ensures that specific messages are delivered without delay. Thus, minimum LAN access times are ensured. These features are of great importance for synchronous services.

6) Voice, Data, and Video Integration

In addition to minimum access times, synchronous services require bandwidth reservations. This is especially important for voice and video, i.e., multimedia traffic.

Therefore, metropolitan design networks are ideal for multimedia traffic. However, not all metropolitan networks support synchronous traffic. This becomes critical when data needs to be transmitted at regular intervals.

7) High Availability

Availability refers to the time the network can operate without errors. In addition, metropolitan structures have automatic fault recovery mechanisms. These mechanisms allow the LAN to return to regular operation quickly.

In addition, you can quickly detect and isolate a fault in an access node. This is why MAN networks are suitable for commercial applications. For example, environments such as air traffic control, warehouse supply, and banks use this structure.

8) High Reliability

Reliability refers to the LAN’s error rate during operation. The error rate indicates the number of erroneous bits transmitted. In general, optical fiber has a lower error rate.

This allows for less erroneous transmission than copper cables. Error detection mechanisms can detect errors on the order of 10-20. This feature increases the reliability of metropolitan area networks. This feature is essential in critical environments such as air traffic control.

9) High Security

Fiber optics offer a secure method. This is because it is not possible to read or modify the optical signal.

Modifying the optical signal cannot be done without a physical break. Obviously, if a break occurs in the cable, non-network mechanisms will create a temporary disconnection.

10) Noise Immunity

There may be electromagnetic interference in critical areas of the LAN. In such cases, fiber optics provide noise-free communication. Plus, fiber optics offer a reliable solution.

Conclusion

As a result, the MAN network acts as a vital infrastructure for data transmission, providing efficient communication in urban areas. In this structure, you can integrate voice, data, and video services. In addition, you get high bandwidth and real-time traffic support.

It is essential to understand the components and applications of the MAN. As a result, embracing the potential of such a design will provide improved LAN efficiency and productivity.