Learn How Metropolitan Area Network Topologies Work
Published: October 6, 2025
Imagine connecting all offices, schools, or branches across a city — that’s what a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) does. It joins many local area networks (LANs) in a town to easily share data, the internet, and resources.
However, how we connect these networks changes how the system works. These connection styles are called topologies. From Ring and star to bus and mesh, each has its way of linking computers and sending data. In this blog, we’ll explore how Metropolitan Area Network topologies work, what makes them special, and which suits a city-wide network best.
Here are the four main Metropolitan Area Network Topologies (shapes) used to build city networks:
Commonly used Metropolitan Area Network topologies
Introduction to the 4 major Metropolitan Area Network topologies:
1. Ring Topology (The Circle)
2. Star Topology (The Central Hub)
3. Bus Topology (The Single Line)
4. Mesh Topology (The Spiderweb / Hybrid use)
Let’s look at the four main Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) topologies that shape how data travels across a city.
1. Ring Topology 🌀
In a ring topology, every computer or device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular path. The data moves in one direction around the Ring.
Features
- Each device has two neighbors.
- Data travels in a loop until it reaches the destination.
- No central hub is used.
- Easy to set up for small networks.
Working
When one computer sends data, it passes through each device in the Ring until it reaches the right one.
The whole network can stop without a backup ring if any cable breaks.
PC1 — PC2 — PC3 — PC4 — PC1
Pros
- Low-cost and straightforward setup.
- Performs well under light traffic.
- Easy to identify data flow.
Cons
- One fault can stop the entire network.
- Adding or removing devices affects performance.
2. Star Topology ⭐
In a star topology, all computers are connected to a central device like a switch or hub. It acts as the main point for communication.
Features
- Has a central hub or switch.
- Devices don’t connect directly.
- Easy to add or remove devices.
- Commonly used in schools and offices.
Working
Each computer sends data to the hub. The hub then sends it to the right destination.
PC1
|
PC2 — Hub — PC3
|
PC4
Pros
Easy to install and manage.
If one computer fails, others still work.
Easy to add new devices.
Cons
If the hub fails, the whole network stops.
Uses more cables than other topologies.
3. Bus Topology 🚌
In a bus topology, all devices share one main cable called the backbone.
Features
- Uses a single central cable.
- Data travels in both directions.
- Works well for small networks.
Working
When a device sends data, it travels along the bus. Each computer checks the data, and only the one with the correct address accepts it.
PC1 — PC2 — PC3 — PC4
_________________/
Main Cable
Pros
- Easy and cheap to install.
- Requires less cable.
- Best for temporary networks.
Cons
- If the main cable breaks, the network fails.
- Limited cable length and number of devices.
- Hard to find faults.
4. Mesh Topology (in Hybrid MANs) 🔗
In a mesh topology, every device connects to many other devices. It’s often used in hybrid MANs for strong and reliable communication.
Features
- Each device has multiple connections.
- Offers high fault tolerance.
- Ideal for large city networks or hybrid systems.
Working
If one link fails, data automatically finds another route to reach its destination. This makes it very reliable.
PC1——PC2
| |
PC3——PC4
Pros
- Very reliable and secure.
- No data loss if one link fails.
- Supports heavy traffic.
Cons
- Expensive to set up.
- Needs lots of cables and ports.
Comparative Analysis of Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) Topologies
| Topology | Scalability | Reliability | Complexity | Cost |
| Ring Topology | Moderate — limited by the ring size | Moderate — one break can disrupt the network unless dual rings are used | Medium — requires token passing setup | Moderate — extra cost for backup rings |
| Star Topology | High — easy to add new devices to the central hub | High — failure of one node doesn’t affect others, but hub failure stops all | Low — simple design and management | Moderate — hub adds cost but not too expensive |
| Bus Topology | Low — limited cable length and data collisions | Low — if main cable fails, entire network fails | Low — simple layout | Low — uses less cable and devices |
| Mesh Topology (Hybrid) | Very High — easily expandable with more links | Very High — multiple paths ensure full reliability | High — complex to install and manage | High — many cables and ports required |
Factors Influencing Topology Choice in a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
You must consider a few key questions when building a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
These factors help you design a fast, strong, and cost-effective network for a city.
The topology—how all computers, switches, and cables connect—shapes the network’s speed, cost, and reliability.
Let’s explore the main factors that guide your choice of MAN topology.
1. Geographic Scale and Layout
How big is the area? What shape is the city?
Size of the Network
How many buildings or areas do you need to connect?
- Big cities often use Tree or Hybrid topologies.
- These links smaller Star networks (inside offices or campuses) to one main line for easy future growth.
Shape of the Area
- A Ring or Dual-Ring works well if the city has a round or central layout — like a road that connects key points.
- A Mesh or Hybrid fits better for cities spread across many directions.
2. Cost Considerations
How much money can you spend?
Cable Costs
- Mesh topology is costly because every point connects to all others.
- Bus and Ring topologies use fewer cables, making them cheaper.
Equipment Costs
Star and Tree need central hubs or switches, which add expense.
Buses use fewer devices, but they’re not suitable for large networks.
3. Network Reliability and Fault Tolerance
How well does the network keep working if something fails?
High Reliability
- Mesh and Hybrid topologies are strong choices.
- If one link breaks, data can move through another path.
Single Point of Failure
- In a Star topology, the connected parts stop if the central hub fails.
- In a Ring topology, data flow stops unless a Dual-Ring provides a backup route.
4. Speed and Data Volume Needs
How fast should the network be? How much data will it carry?
High Speed
- Star and Mesh topologies work best for quick and efficient data flow.
- Star routes data through a hub, while Mesh provides many direct links for faster transfer.
Low Speed (Traffic Problems)
Bus topology slows down when too many devices send data simultaneously, so it’s rarely used alone in city networks.
5. Technology Infrastructure
What kind of network setup and technology do you have
Fiber Optic Cables
- Fiber is fast, reliable, and supports long distances.
- It fits well with Ring, Mesh, and Hybrid topologies.
Wireless Connections
Wireless links are often used when cables are complex or costly to install — often in Mesh or Star layouts.
Existing Hardware
- Some cities already have cables or devices in place.
- Choosing a topology that works with this setup saves money and time.
Practical Examples and Case Studies: Metropolitan Area Network topology
How do real cities and organizations use Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) daily?
Let’s look at real-world examples and see what we can learn from them.
1. How does New York City use a MAN?
Example
New York connects government offices, schools, and public Wi-Fi zones through a Hybrid topology — a mix of Ring and Mesh designs.
Why this choice?
The Ring connects main data centers across the city.
The Mesh adds backup links for continuous service.
What did they learn?
A Hybrid MAN works best for large cities needing speed and reliability.
2. How do universities connect their campuses?
Example
Many prominent universities use a Star topology to link all campus buildings to one central data center.
Why this choice?
Easy to manage and expand when new buildings are added.
The central hub gives better control and security.
What did they learn?
A Star network is perfect for campus MANs, where everything connects to one central point.
3. How does Singapore connect its innovative city systems?
Example
Singapore’s Smart Nation project uses a mesh topology to connect traffic systems, sensors, and city data centers.
Why this choice?
Mesh allows data to move smoothly between smart devices.
If one link fails, data quickly finds another route.
What did they learn?
A Mesh network gives strong reliability, making it ideal for smart cities with nonstop communication.
4. How do transport systems keep their networks running?
Example
Many metro and bus systems use a Ring topology to link all stations and control centers.
Why this choice?
The circular path keeps data moving quickly.
A Dual-Ring backup keeps it working even if one cable fails.
Conclusion – Choosing the Right Metropolitan Area Network Topology
Have you ever thought about how a whole city stays connected?
That’s the job of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) — and the proper topology makes it fast and reliable.
What did we learn?
Each MAN topology has its own role:
Ring – smooth and steady data flow.
Star – easy to manage with one central hub.
Bus – low cost but less reliable.
Mesh – strong and fast, great for smart cities.
Hybrid – best mix for big city networks.
How to choose the best one?
Ask simple questions
How big is the area?
What’s the budget?
How much speed and safety do we need?
The answers help pick the right design.
Final Thought
Need help? Talk to a network expert — the best MAN is the one that fits your city’s needs perfectly.
There’s no single best topology — the right choice depends on where and how the network will be used.
FAQs About the Right Metropolitan Area Network Topology
It shows how computers and networks are connected across a city.
Because it affects the network’s speed, cost, and reliability.
Hybrid or Mesh topology — they give high speed and backup paths.
Bus or Star topology uses fewer cables and is easy to set up.
Mesh topology — if one link fails, data finds another path.
Star topology — all buildings connect to one central hub for easy control.
Yes! A Hybrid topology combines two or more designs for better performance.
Area size, cost, speed needs, reliability, and available technology.
t can cause slow connections, data loss, or high maintenance costs.
A network expert or engineer who understands the city’s needs and layout.
