A Metropolitan Area Network (MANs) link multiple LANs spread over a city or wide area. It makes data transfer quick and allows resources to be shared easily.
A MAN covers a large area than a LAN and sends data faster, so it’s great for cities and universities. But, MAN networks come with issues, such as higher setup costs, complex management, and security risk.
This article explains the benefits and problems of MAN that help you choose the right option.
What are Advantages and Disadvantages of Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)?
Like to other technology, MAN have both benefits and problems. These benefits and problems can help you choose whether a MAN is right for your network.
Advantages of MAN
The main benefits of a MAN is its ability to link different routers. Microsoft use MAN to connect remote networks and it is often used to connect multiple office locations. Let’s look at some other advantages of MAN Network.
Not Expensive
Since a WAN is usually more expensive than a MAN. So, it is often a better choice to use a MAN. As we consider, the distance between MAN and WAN network that will be less as distance between MAN and LAN network.
More Fast
As using a MAN network, data moves faster between computers and costs less. Because the network covers less distance and uses fewer routers, performance improves.
Good Remote access
A MAN provides a low-cost way for head offices and branches to access computers remotely. Using DSL or cable is not always the best choice for remote access. A MAN makes it simple to access remote computers by using single router linked as online.
Using IPSec
IP Security is a powerful encryption method, but it can be expensive to use. It may be costly, but it keeps your network safe from hacker. Because of it, your network is protected from hackers.
WAN networks, like as an Ethernet MAN, can use IPSec to encrypt data within a single LAN segment, not just over the internet.
Better Conversion from LAN to MAN
While LAN and MAN are different types of networks that easy to transfer from a LAN to a MAN network. You simply need to change the IP address on your network device, and it will work on a MAN.
Sending Local Emails
With a MAN, if your computer is connected to the Internet; you can send emails to people within the same network. For example, you can send an email to another one computer, but on the similar MAN network.
Connecting via VPN
A MAN works well when you need to connect to your home computer or phone using a VPN. It provides an effective way to use the Internet, especially for connecting to LAN computers without using a WAN network.
Creating Access Points
If you have taken decision to set up a wireless network for your PC or mobile in your living room, then you can consider a MAN network to do it.
MAN networks are low-cost and easy to install, making it possible to access the Internet without a direct router link.
Preventing Network Outages
A MAN creates a single point of failure, meaning that if the main router goes down, the entire network could be affected. Many large scaled companies is using MAN network for their private clients; and it can be configure with ease.
Location Tracking
MAN makes it easy to track location. For example, a company can use MAN to track an employee working in another city.
If an employee cannot come to the office, their location can be easily tracked.
Disadvantages of MAN Networks
The disadvantages of MAN include high setup cost, security risks, and the need for skilled technicians. These points should be considering before choosing a MAN.
Required Wires
While MANs have many benefits, they need a lot of physical cables to link different regions. This makes them more complex than simple networks like LANs.
Security Risks
As you know that MANs cover large areas and have many connections, they face more security risks. Hackers may target them, so extra security is needed.
Higher Costs
A MAN is expensive to set up and maintain because it needs more structure than a LAN.
Difficult to Manage
As managing a MAN network can be challenging because it has many connections and users. Without a proper management plan, keeping everything running smoothly becomes difficult.
Limited Connectivity
As discussed above that MANs are capable to cover large areas; but they still have some limitations. In rural or remote areas, the network coverage may be limited.
Need for Skilled Technicians
Skilled technicians and network administrators are needed for setting up and managing a MAN network. You need experienced technicians and network administrators to keep the system working properly. And, this can increase the cost of setup and maintenance.
Wrapping Up
Every organization should understand both the benefits and problems of a MAN. Knowing the benefits and problems helps choose if a MAN is the best option. MANs provide fast connections, but they can be costly and complicated.
Think about the benefits and problems over time before deciding. If a MAN is right for you, have specialists handle the setup and maintenance.
