Which statement best describes a wide area network (WAN) compared to a local area network (LAN)?

Which statement best describes a wide area network (WAN) compared to a local area network (LAN)?

• A. LAN covers a building, WAN covers large geographic areas
• B. WAN uses only private networks
• C. WAN covers large geographic areas and may use public networks
• D. WAN is always faster than a LAN

Answer: (C)

WANs are networks that connect computers and other networks over large distances. They link multiple LANs across cities, countries, or continents and can use public networks, like the Internet, as part of that path, as well as private long-distance lines. This makes the statement describing a WAN as covering large geographic areas and potentially using public networks the best fit. It captures the key idea that WANs aren’t confined to a single building or campus and that they often ride on public infrastructure to reach distant sites. The other options mislead: WANs aren’t limited to private networks only, speed isn’t guaranteed to be higher than a LAN, and while a LAN is typically within a building or campus, the essential distinction here is the geographic reach and the network paths used.

WANs are networks that connect computers and other networks over large distances. They link multiple LANs across cities, countries, or continents and can use public networks, like the Internet, as part of that path, as well as private long-distance lines.

This makes the statement describing a WAN as covering large geographic areas and potentially using public networks the best fit. It captures the key idea that WANs aren’t confined to a single building or campus and that they often ride on public infrastructure to reach distant sites. The other options mislead: WANs aren’t limited to private networks only, speed isn’t guaranteed to be higher than a LAN, and while a LAN is typically within a building or campus, the essential distinction here is the geographic reach and the network paths used.