LAN vs MAN: Key Differences, Speed & Range Explained
LAN is a Local Area Network confined to one building or campus; MAN is a Metropolitan Area Network spanning an entire city or large campus, linking multiple LANs.
People mix them up because both serve offices and campuses. Picture LAN as your home Wi-Fi, MAN as the fiber web connecting all offices in downtown—scale changes everything.
Key Differences
LAN covers 100 m–2 km at up to 10 Gbps, owned by you. MAN stretches 5–50 km at 100 Mbps–10 Gbps, run by carriers using fiber or microwave.
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick LAN for single-site speed and control. Choose MAN when several city branches need secure, carrier-grade links without building private fiber.
Can I upgrade LAN to MAN?
Yes, by leasing carrier fiber and adding Metro-Ethernet switches you extend LAN into a MAN.
Is Wi-Fi 6 a LAN or MAN?
Wi-Fi 6 is LAN; MAN still needs wired backhaul or licensed wireless from providers.