Different Types of Metropolitan Area Network: Ownership & Tech
Published: October 5, 2025
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) connect computers across a whole city. Understanding the different Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) types helps you pick the best way to link your offices or campuses.
Here are the different types of Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) based on their purpose and design:
Types of Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Men can be classified in two ways:
(1) by ownership,
(2) by technology.
(1) Based on Ownership and Usage
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) can be classified into the following types based on ownership and Usage.
- Campus Area Network (CAN)
- Corporate Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Public Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Private Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
(2) Based on Technology Used
In addition to ownership and Usage, We can also classify Metropolitan Area Network(MANs) based on the technology used to connect the network.
- Switched Multi-megabit Data Service (SMDS)
- Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
- Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
- Ethernet MAN
- Wireless MAN (WiMAX)
| Classification(Types of MAN) | Based on Ownership & Usage | Based on the Technology Used |
| Campus Area Network (CAN) | Switched Multi-megabit Data Service (SMDS) | |
| Corporate MAN | Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) | |
| Public MAN | Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) | |
| Private MAN | Ethernet MAN | |
| Wireless MAN (WiMAX) |
Each type serves a unique purpose — here’s a summary to help you understand them clearly.
(1) Types of (Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) Based on Ownership and Usage
Let’s take a closer look at the type of MAN based on ownership and Usage:
a. Campus Area Network (CAN)
Think about a university campus where you move from the library to the classroom and stay connected. That’s precisely what a Campus Area Network (CAN) does. It links multiple LANs inside the same campus.
- It connects classrooms, labs, offices, and hostels.
- It gives fast internet using fiber cables.
- One central team manages the whole network.
Examples
When you log in to Wi-Fi at your college library and it still works in the cafeteria, you’re using a CAN. Business parks also rely on CANs to connect different office buildings on the same site.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
It keeps communication smooth, saves costs, and makes one feel secure on campus.
Disadvantages
The only catch is that it works within limited boundaries.
Future Trends
With smart campuses and IoT devices, CANs are getting smarter, using cloud and AI tools to improve learning and work.
b. Corporate MAN
Picture a bank with several branches spread across the city. A Corporate MAN ties them together so employees can share data safely and quickly. Companies own these networks to protect their work.
- It keeps communication private.
- It applies one IT policy across all branches.
- It usually runs on fast fiber lines.
Example
When a bank teller updates your account in one branch, the system instantly reflects it in another. That’s the Corporate MAN at work. Big companies also use it to link offices, warehouses, and factories.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
It secures company data, keeps systems reliable, and makes teamwork easier.
Disadvantages
Setting it up costs a lot, and maintenance isn’t cheap.
Future Trends
Many businesses are shifting towards hybrid setups — combining corporate MANs with cloud services for flexibility.
c. Public MAN
Imagine a city where people use the same network for the internet or Wi-Fi. That’s what a Public MAN is. Governments or telecom companies set it up for everyone to use.
- It connects broad areas in a city.
- Many users share it.
- Service providers manage it for the public.
Examples
You’re using a Public MAN when you connect to free metro Wi-Fi or city-wide internet service. Telecom companies also deliver broadband to homes using this type.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
It’s affordable, covers large areas, and connects people easily.
Disadvantages
The downside is lower security and slow speeds during rush hours.
Future Trends
Public MANs are turning into 5G-powered networks, supporting smart cities and IoT devices like traffic sensors.
d. Private MAN
Now think about a hospital that connects all its branches across a city without depending on public networks. That’s a Private MAN. Organizations build and control it only for their own needs.
- It gives complete control over security and design.
- It runs independently from telecom providers.
- Teams can customize it to fit their exact requirements.
Examples
Hospitals use it to share patient data safely between branches. Media companies also rely on Private MANs to send content between their studios and offices.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
It’s highly secure, reliable, and customizable.
Disadvantages
It demands a big budget for setup and management.
Future Trends
Many organizations now upgrade Private MANs with 5G, cloud tools, and more innovative networking systems.
Types of Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) Based on Technology
Here is a simple explanation of each type according to the technology used.
a. Switched Multi-megabit Data Service (SMDS)
Think of SMDS as an early way for businesses in the 90s to link their offices across a city. It acted like a highway that carried data quickly without building private roads (dedicated lines).
Example
Imagine a bank with 10 branches in a city. Instead of using separate lines for each branch, the bank used SMDS to share information faster.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
It was fast, flexible, and reliable.
Disadvantages
Newer options like ATM and Ethernet pushed it out because they were cheaper and easier.
Future Trends
SMDS is gone, but it laid the foundation for modern MANs.
b. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
ATM sends data in tiny fixed-size “cells.” The cool part? It could carry internet, phone calls, and even video chats simultaneously.
Example
Telecom companies use ATMs to keep city-wide phone calls smooth and the internet steady. Universities also loved it for video conferencing.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
It gave super reliable and high-quality communication.
Disadvantages
It cost more and was a little tricky to manage.
Future Trends
Cheaper IP networks replaced ATM, but the idea behind it lives on in modern broadband.
c. Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
FDDI is all about speed and distance. It uses fiber optic cables to connect networks over large areas — up to 200 km!
Example
A research university could connect its labs and campuses across a whole city with FDDI. It was like a super-fast backbone for knowledge sharing.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
Reliable, high-speed, and had a backup ring in case of failure.
Disadvantages
Expensive and bulky compared to new Ethernet options.
Future Trends
Modern fiber networks took over, but FDDI showed us what was possible.
d. Ethernet MAN
Ethernet MAN is basically city-wide Ethernet. It’s simple, affordable, and popular because most people already know Ethernet.
Example
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) uses an Ethernet Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) to deliver broadband to thousands of homes in one city. Companies also use it to connect offices spread across town.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
Easy setup, fast speed, and very cost-effective.
Disadvantages
Needs extra tools to work over very long distances.
Future Trends
Ethernet MAN keeps evolving, now supporting gigabit and beyond.
e. Wireless MAN (WiMAX)
WiMAX works like Wi-Fi, but on a much bigger scale — imagine a Wi-Fi hotspot covering your city!
Example
Some cities used WiMAX to provide public Wi-Fi in parks and busy areas. WiMAX became a quick fix for internet access in countries where laying fiber was too expensive.
Why It Matters Today
Advantages
Fast to deploy, affordable, and wireless freedom.
Disadvantages
Prone to interference and slower than fiber.
Future Trends
5G is replacing WiMAX in most cities, but WiMAX still helps where no wired networks exist.
Difference between Types of Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) based on Usage and Technology
| Classification Types of MAN | Key Features | Examlpes | Pros | Cons |
| (1)Based on Ownership & Usage | ||||
| a. Campus Area Network (CAN) | connects LANs inside the campus (classrooms, labs, hostels). | College Wi-Fi across library & cafeteria, Business parks. | Smooth communication, secure, cost-saving. | Limited to campus boundaries. |
| b. Corporate MAN | Connects the company’s city-wide branches via fiber. | Banks linking branches, MNC offices, warehouses. | Data security, reliability, teamwork. | High setup & maintenance cost. |
| c. Public MAN | City-wide network by govt/telecom, shared by many users. | Metro Wi-Fi, city-wide broadband. | Wide coverage, affordable, easy access. | Less secure, speed drops in peak hours. |
| d. Private MAN | Owned/managed by one organization only. | Hospitals sharing patient data, Media companies. | Highly secure, customizable, reliable. | Very expensive to build & manage. |
| (2)Based on the Technology Used | ||||
| Switched Multi-megabit Data Service (SMDS) | Early 90s high-speed service, no need for dedicated lines. | Banks linking 10+ branches. | Fast, flexible, reliable | Now obsolete, replaced by ATM/Ethernet. |
| Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) | Uses fixed-size cells; carries internet, voice & video together. | Telecom companies, universities (video conf). | Very reliable, high-quality. | Expensive, complex. |
| Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) | Fiber optic, up to 200 km, dual-ring backup. | Universities linking multiple campuses. | High-speed, fault-tolerant. | Costly, bulky compared to Ethernet. |
| Ethernet MAN | Extends Ethernet to city level, gigabit speeds. | ISPs, corporate offices across city. | Simple, cheap, fast. | Needs extra tools for long distance. |
| Wireless MAN (WiMAX) | Works like Wi-Fi but covers whole city. | Public Wi-Fi in parks, rural internet. | Wireless freedom, quick deployment. | Prone to interference, slower than fiber. |
Conclusion: Which Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) type is Right For You?
So, why are there so many types of Metropolitan Area Networks? Because the best network always fits the user’s needs!
The story of MANs shows us two simple things:
- Ownership matters most. You need a Campus Area Network (CAN) if you are a student. You need a Corporate MAN to keep your data private and secure if you run a big company. The goal is always to choose who controls the network and what you use it for.
- Technology keeps changing. Networks are always getting faster! Older technologies like SMDS and FDDI showed us what was possible, but today, Ethernet MAN is the champion because it’s affordable and straightforward. 5G is taking over the wireless space for the future, turning our cities into smarter, fully connected zones.
The key takeaway is that whether a network is Public or Private, the goal remains the same: to link people, data, and devices across the city quickly and reliably. By choosing the right mix of ownership and technology, any organization can build a strong network to power its success today and tomorrow!
FAQs about Metropolitan Area Network(MAN)
The main job of a MAN is to connect many small networks (LANs) across an entire city or a vast area. It links different buildings together so they can share data fast.
A MAN covers a city (Metropolitan Area). A WAN (Wide Area Network) is much bigger; it covers large distances, like countries or the world. Think of the Internet—that’s a WAN!
The Private MAN is the best for security. Since a single organization (like a hospital or government) builds and runs it for itself, they have total control over who can get in.
The Campus Area Network (CAN) is simple. It connects all the buildings in one large property, like a university or a massive factory complex.
The Ethernet MAN is the top choice today because it’s fast, reliable, and cheap to set up. Most people know the Ethernet rules, so it’s easy to use across a whole city.
They were fast, but they were also complex and expensive. Newer, simpler solutions, especially Ethernet and modern fiber networks, do the same job better and for less money.
Redundancy means having a backup path. For example, the old FDDI network used two rings. If one wire broke, the data would instantly switch to the second ring, so the network wouldn’t stop working.
A public MAN is usually managed by a big company, such as a telephone or Internet service provider (ISP). They offer the network service to the general public for a fee.
5G cellular networks are replacing WiMAX. 5G is the future because it is much faster and can handle more users simultaneously, helping build smart cities.
Yes! A company can use any technology. They might use a mix of fiber cables (for speed) and wireless links (for areas where laying cables is too hard or too expensive) to connect all their offices.
