What characterizes a metropolitan area network (MAN)?

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is specifically designed to cover a larger geographic area than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN). It typically serves a single metropolitan area, such as a large city or a collection of nearby towns that require robust data communication services.

The essence of a MAN is its capability to connect multiple LANs within a city, enabling efficient communication and data sharing among businesses, government entities, and residents. This setup allows for high-capacity data transfers and connectivity to internet services while maintaining a manageable scale.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of networks that do not align with the characteristics of a MAN. For example, networks for small offices pertain to LANs, which focus on localized connections. Global networking solutions fall under WANs, which span extensive geographical areas, often internationally. Lastly, a private corporate network is generally a VPN or intranet, functioning more like a LAN tailored to a specific organization's needs rather than serving the broader urban environment typical of a MAN.