Glossary

Metropolitan Area Network

The IEEE 802-2001 standard describes a MAN as being optimized for a larger geographical area than a LAN, ranging from several buildings to entire cities. As with local networks, MANs can depend on communications channels of moderate-to-high data rates. A MAN might be owned and operated by a single organization, but is usually used by many individuals and organizations. MANs might also be owned and operated as public utilities. They will often provide the means for internetworking of local networks.