Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a core topic in the Networking Fundamentals syllabus for Kerala PSC Degree Level Exams, SSC Scientific Assistant, and ISRO Technical Assistant posts. Understanding the distance, speed, and IEEE standards (802.6) is crucial for securing marks in the Data Communication section.

Metropolitan Area Network( MAN ) is a network that covers an area equivalent to a metropolitan city.

It is easier to understand this network by comparing other two popular networks. MAN covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. This type of network covers a few kilometers.

Let us check the examples of a Metropolitan Area Network. The cable TV network is an example of the Metropolitan Area Network. But there is a difference.

MAN is a computer network, but cable TV connection provides TV broadcasts. In a Metropolitan Area Network, two buildings in a city are connected and start data transfer. That means this connects two devices located far away but limited to a metropolitan location.

One of the differences between WAN and MAN is the connection speed. WAN offers low to medium connection speed, but Metropolitan Area Network offers high-speed connection.

1. ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
   
   
2. FDDI
   
   
3. SMDS
   
   
4. Ethernet-based MAN

SSC, DSSSB, and Kerala PSC conduct examinations for various IT posts.

Understanding Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is essential for candidates appearing for the Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam, SSC Scientific Assistant (CS), and System Analyst posts. These networking fundamentals are core parts of the Computer Science syllabus.

You can check the Kerala PSC Degree Level Common Prelims Syllabus under the Computer Science section. I recommend you download the syllabus using this official link.

Reference: https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf

Distributed Queue Dual Bus (DQDB) is the Metropolitan Area Network standard for data communication. It is in the IEEE 802.6 standard. Using DQDB, networks can be as long as 30 miles and operate at speeds of 34 to 155 Mbit/s.

Devices used to provide connections here are:

1. ATM
   
   
2. High-end routers
   
   
3. Switches
   
   
4. Optical switches

One comment I received was about the status of a corporate office campus.

I consider a corporate office campus as a Metropolitan Area Network. I understand that this network does not cover the area of a metropolitan city. However, per the definition, a MAN is a network of multiple Local Area Networks.

A corporate office campus must have multiple LANs. They are interconnected and come under the category of a MAN.

1. https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf
2. https://standards.ieee.org/featured/ieee-802/