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MAN vs. WAN: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 11, 2024
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a city-sized area, while WAN (Wide Area Network) spans a much larger geographic area, often connecting multiple cities or countries.
MAN vs. WAN

Key Differences

A MAN, or Metropolitan Area Network, is designed to cover a larger geographical area than a LAN but is smaller than a WAN. It typically encompasses a city or a campus. In contrast, a WAN, or Wide Area Network, covers a much broader geographic area, often spanning cities, states, or even countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
MANs are ideal for connecting various local area networks (LANs) within a city, providing high-speed networking to local users. WANs, on the other hand, are used to connect networks that are geographically distant, making them essential for multinational businesses or organizations with multiple locations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
In terms of speed, MANs usually offer higher speeds compared to WANs, as the data has less distance to travel. WANs, while covering more area, often face more latency and lower speeds due to the vast distances and complex routing involved.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
MANs typically use technologies like Ethernet, token ring, or ATM for connectivity. WANs, however, rely on technologies like MPLS, Frame Relay, or leased lines to manage the long-distance connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
A MAN is managed and operated by a single organization or a collective of users in close geographic proximity, whereas WANs might be managed by multiple organizations or service providers due to their expansive nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
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Comparison Chart

Geographic Coverage

Covers a city or campus-sized area.
Spans across cities, countries, or continents.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Speed

Generally higher speeds due to shorter distances.
Often slower speeds due to longer distances and complex routing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Typical Use

Connecting local networks within a city or campus.
Connecting geographically distant networks.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Technology Used

Ethernet, token ring, ATM.
MPLS, Frame Relay, leased lines.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Management

Managed by a single organization or local collective.
Often managed by multiple organizations or service providers.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
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MAN and WAN Definitions

MAN

Operated by one organization or a collective.
The university campus operates its own MAN for student and faculty use.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

WAN

May experience latency due to long-distance data travel.
Video conferencing over the WAN sometimes has a delay.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

MAN

Uses technologies like Ethernet for connectivity.
The MAN uses Ethernet to ensure fast and stable connections.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

WAN

Essential for multinational businesses or organizations.
Our WAN allows employees to collaborate globally.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

MAN

Provides higher bandwidth than a WAN in a localized area.
Streaming services work smoothly over the MAN due to its high bandwidth.
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WAN

Uses technologies like MPLS for long-distance connections.
The organization's WAN relies on MPLS for secure data transmission.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

MAN

Designed for connecting multiple LANs within a city.
Our company's offices are interconnected through the city's MAN.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

WAN

A network that covers a broad geographical area.
The company's WAN connects all its international offices.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

MAN

A network spanning a metropolitan area.
The city's MAN facilitates high-speed internet access across different districts.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

WAN

Managed by various organizations due to its size.
The transcontinental WAN is managed by several service providers.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024

WAN

A communications network that uses such devices as telephone lines, satellite dishes, or radio waves to span a larger geographic area than can be covered by a LAN.
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Jan 23, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What areas do MANs typically cover?

MANs cover city-sized or metropolitan areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Can a MAN connect multiple LANs?

Yes, it's often used to connect various LANs within a city.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

What speeds do MANs usually offer?

MANs generally provide high-speed connectivity.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

What technologies are used in MANs?

Common technologies include Ethernet and ATM.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Are WANs important for global businesses?

Yes, they're crucial for multinational organization connectivity.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

What technologies do WANs use?

Technologies like MPLS and Frame Relay are common.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Who manages WANs?

They are typically managed by multiple organizations or service providers.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Do MANs require extensive infrastructure?

Yes, they require significant infrastructure for their coverage.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Can a MAN integrate with other networks?

Yes, it can integrate with both LANs and WANs.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Who manages a MAN?

It's usually managed by a single organization or local collective.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

How far can WANs extend?

WANs can extend across cities, countries, or continents.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Can MANs be used for community services?

Absolutely, they're often used for local community services.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

What is a common issue with WANs?

They often face latency and lower speeds over long distances.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Are WANs expensive to set up?

They can be, due to their extensive infrastructure requirements.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Can WANs be used for personal use?

Generally, they're designed for organizational use.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Can WANs be customized?

Yes, WANs can be highly customized to meet specific needs.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Are MANs secure?

They can be highly secure, depending on their configuration.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Is a MAN limited to public use?

No, it can be private, public, or a combination.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Do WANs support high data volumes?

Yes, they are capable of handling large volumes of data.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

Do WANs require specialized maintenance?

Yes, they often require specialized technical support and maintenance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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