Metropolitan Area Networks

The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a network of ducting and fibre optic cable laid within a metropolitan area which can be used by a variety of businesses and organisations to provide services including but not limited to telecoms, Internet access, television, telematics and CCTV.

The MANs are publicly owned, while allowing all telecommunication operators open access to the networks. They are fibre-based and technology neutral resilient networks, which will ensure adequate capacity for generations to come. To date, 27 MANs were completed under Phase 1 of the Programme and 65 MANs have been completed under Phase 11 of the Programme. A further one MAN is currently under construction.

The Phase 1 MANs are being independently managed for the State by e|net, who were awarded the 15-year services concession contract in June 2004. In July 2009, e|net was awarded the 15-year services concession contract to operate and manage the Phase 11 MANs.

e|net operates as a wholesaler of access to the MANs and offers a full suite of products including ducting, sub-ducting, dark fibre, high level managed capacity, co-location facilites and relevant auxilary services. For further information on the range of products see http://www.enet.ie

The brochure below gives an outline of what Fibre Optic Metropolitan Area Networks are and how they operate.
The brochure provides a factual presentation of the characteristics of fibre networks and it explains the usage of such networks.

Download Metropolitan Area Network Brochure