A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that
interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area
or region larger than that covered by even a large local area
network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area
network (WAN). The term is applied to the interconnection of
networks in a city into a single larger network (which may then
also offer efficient connection to a wide area network). It is
also used to mean the interconnection of several local area
networks by bridging them with backbone lines. The latter usage
is also sometimes referred to as a campus network. Examples of
metropolitan area networks of various sizes can be found in the
metropolitan areas of London, England; Lodz, Poland; and Geneva,
Switzerland. Large universities also sometimes use the term to
describe their networks. A recent trend is the installation of
wireless MANs.