Page 158 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Wireless Networks

Notes 9.6 Summary

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network in which two or more computers or
communicating devices or networks which are geographically separated but in same metropolitan
city and are connected to each other are said to be connected on MAN.

A MAN is optimized for a larger geographical area than a LAN, ranging from several blocks of
buildings to entire cities. MANs can also depend on communications channels of moderate-to-
high data rates

Some technologies used for this purpose are Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), FDDI,
and SMDS.
MAN links between local area networks have been built without cables using
either microwave, radio, or infra-red laser links.
MAN can cover a wider area than a LAN. MAN networks are usually operated at airports, or a
combination of several pieces at a local school.
By running a large network connectedness, information can be disseminated more widely,
rapidly and significantly.
Public libraries and government agencies typically use a MAN.

9.7 Keywords

Metropolitan area network (MAN): is a computer network in which two or more computers or
communicating devices or networks which are geographically separated but in same metropolitan
city and are connected to each other are said to be connected on MAN.

Distributed-queue dual-bus: is the metropolitan area network standard for data communication.
It is specified in the IEEE 802.6 standard.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM): is, according to the ATM Forum, “a telecommunications
concept defined by ANSIand ITU (formerly CCITT) standards for carriage of a complete range of
user traffic, including voice, data, and video signals,” and is designed to unify telecommunication
and computer networks.
Fibre Distributed Data Interface (FDDI): provides a 100 Mbit/s optical standard for data
transmission in local area network that can extend in range up to 200 kilometers (120 mi).

Switched Multi-megabit Data Service: was a connectionless service used to connect LANs,
MANs and WANs to exchange data, in early 1990s.
Packet radio: is a form of packet switching technology used to transmit digital data via radio or
wireless communications links.

9.8 Review Questions

1. Describe the cable networking of point-to-point wireless network
2. Discuss the packet radio networks
3. Explain the concept of metropolitan area network (MAN)

4. Describe points-to-multipoint system
5. Explain the point-to-point wireless networks

152 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY