Meaning – The term metropolitan area network, refers to a network formed by the interconnection of two or more networks that may operate at a higher speed than those networks, may cross administrative boundaries, and may use multiple access methods.
The term MAN is applied to the interconnection of local area networks (LANs) in a city into a single larger network which may then also offer efficient connection to a wide area network. The term is also used to describe the interconnection of several local area networks in a metropolitan area through the use of point-to-point connections between them.
Example of usage – “A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN). MANs do not have to be in urban areas; the term “metropolitan” implies the size of the network, not the demographics of the area that it serves.”
