What does the acronym MAN stand for in networking?

The acronym MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network. This type of network is designed to cover a relatively large geographical area, typically spanning a city or a large campus, and connects various local area networks (LANs) within that region. A MAN is larger than a LAN, which usually covers a small area like a single building or campus, but smaller than a wide area network (WAN), which can cover broader distances and connect networks across cities or countries.

The significance of a MAN lies in its ability to facilitate high-speed connectivity and communication between multiple users and devices across a metropolitan area, often using fiber-optic technology for improved bandwidth and performance. Understanding what a MAN is and its purpose within the hierarchy of network types is crucial in networking, especially when considering infrastructure design for organizations operating in urban environments.