ENVS 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Wide Area Network, Local Area Network, Metropolitan Area Network
10 May 2018
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ENVS 1000 Chapter 11 Notes – Summary
Introduction
Metropolitan Area Networks
• As we discuss next, the primary limiting factor in larger networks is the ability to connect
separate locations over intervening public and private property.
• It is worth mentioning that it is possible to design a backbone area network with
switches in such a way that the network can be reconfigured dynamically.
• Specifically, individual hosts can be moved from one local area network to another by
changing the settings in the switches.
• This feature allows the network administrator to tailor the traffic load on various parts
of the network to optimize performance.
• Such a network is called a virtual local area network.
• Further discussion of virtual networks is beyond the scope.
• A metropolitan area network (MAN) is usually defined as a network larger in
geographical scope than a local area network, but generally within a range of less than
30 miles or 50 kilometers.
• A MAN would be used to connect several buildings in an area together or, perhaps,
oet a opay’s uildigs i a ity or regio together.
• Some communities have built or plan to build MANs, both for their own use and as a
service utility for their residents and businesses.
• When the area is relatively small, it may be possible to implement a MAN almost
entirely with a combination of local area networks and one or more backbone networks,
plus some easy-to-manage form of Internet access such DSL.
• More commonly, there is a desire to create network links to connect properties over
areas that would require right-of-way access, that is, permission to run wires through
soeody else’s property.
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