MAN vs. WAN: Know the Difference
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.
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.
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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.
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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
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
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
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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Speed
Generally higher speeds due to shorter distances.
Often slower speeds due to longer distances and complex routing.
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Typical Use
Connecting local networks within a city or campus.
Connecting geographically distant networks.
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Feb 11, 2024
Management
Managed by a single organization or local collective.
Often managed by multiple organizations or service providers.
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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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WAN
May experience latency due to long-distance data travel.
Video conferencing over the WAN sometimes has a delay.
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Jan 23, 2024
MAN
Uses technologies like Ethernet for connectivity.
The MAN uses Ethernet to ensure fast and stable connections.
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WAN
Essential for multinational businesses or organizations.
Our WAN allows employees to collaborate globally.
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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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MAN
Designed for connecting multiple LANs within a city.
Our company's offices are interconnected through the city's MAN.
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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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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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WAN
Managed by various organizations due to its size.
The transcontinental WAN is managed by several service providers.
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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.
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Feb 11, 2024
Can a MAN connect multiple LANs?
Yes, it's often used to connect various LANs within a city.
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Feb 11, 2024
What speeds do MANs usually offer?
MANs generally provide high-speed connectivity.
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Feb 11, 2024
What technologies are used in MANs?
Common technologies include Ethernet and ATM.
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Feb 11, 2024
Are WANs important for global businesses?
Yes, they're crucial for multinational organization connectivity.
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Feb 11, 2024
What technologies do WANs use?
Technologies like MPLS and Frame Relay are common.
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Feb 11, 2024
Who manages WANs?
They are typically managed by multiple organizations or service providers.
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Feb 11, 2024
Do MANs require extensive infrastructure?
Yes, they require significant infrastructure for their coverage.
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Feb 11, 2024
Can a MAN integrate with other networks?
Yes, it can integrate with both LANs and WANs.
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Feb 11, 2024
Who manages a MAN?
It's usually managed by a single organization or local collective.
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Feb 11, 2024
How far can WANs extend?
WANs can extend across cities, countries, or continents.
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Feb 11, 2024
Can MANs be used for community services?
Absolutely, they're often used for local community services.
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Feb 11, 2024
What is a common issue with WANs?
They often face latency and lower speeds over long distances.
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Feb 11, 2024
Are WANs expensive to set up?
They can be, due to their extensive infrastructure requirements.
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Feb 11, 2024
Can WANs be used for personal use?
Generally, they're designed for organizational use.
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Can WANs be customized?
Yes, WANs can be highly customized to meet specific needs.
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Feb 11, 2024
Are MANs secure?
They can be highly secure, depending on their configuration.
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Feb 11, 2024
Is a MAN limited to public use?
No, it can be private, public, or a combination.
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Feb 11, 2024
Do WANs support high data volumes?
Yes, they are capable of handling large volumes of data.
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Feb 11, 2024
Do WANs require specialized maintenance?
Yes, they often require specialized technical support and maintenance.
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Feb 11, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila 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.
Shumaila Saeed
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