When should we use MAN instead of LANs with WANs?

[ccnaluna93]

I mean, we could have our branches interconnected via WANs and they all will communicate each other through their WAN connections. On the other hand we have a MAN which will form a single network between all branches.

Which of these two options should we use? why? 

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

First, you need to understand the difference between these below explain the difference :

Other hand coming to MAN, yes you can use depends what provider offers the presentation and if you have the right equipment to support that presentation.

As long as you are able to get the connectivity you can use whatever form of connection, it all terminology some tech terms changes, and the end goal is to connect each other offices or branches.

If you look at Modern technology like SD-WAN (they take any form of connection build connection).

[Joseph W. Doherty]

BTW, I was just carefully reading the "chart" @balaji.bandi provided detailing differences between LANs, MANs and WANs.  Much of it is still accurate, but some not always so true with current technologies.  Areas where differences aren't as pronounced as they once were include: "Speed", "Faulty Tolerance" and "Congestion".

[Joseph W. Doherty · Accepted solution]

As @balaji.bandi already notes, perhaps you misunderstand LAN/MAN/WAN are really about geographic proximity of network devices, not the particular technology each uses, although, admittedly, some technologies are more commonly used for one kind of network (LAN, MAN vs. WAN) than the other kinds.

The technologies that allow a "single network" have their own pitfalls, especially when bandwidth is not as plentiful as commonly found within most LANs.

As to what kind of network to use, and what network topologies to use, that's really a network design question, which can encompass many, many considerations; two of the most important being, what's actually available, and what can you afford.