What term describes a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area?

• A. Local area network (LAN)
• B. Wide area network (WAN)
• C. Cable
• D. Wireless

Answer: (B)

A wide area network describes a telecommunications network that covers large geographic areas. It connects multiple local networks—such as LANs across different buildings, cities, or countries—often using public or leased communication lines, fiber, or satellite links. This enables resources and data to travel across long distances as if they were on a single network. In contrast, a local area network is limited to a small area like a building or campus, and cable or wireless refer to the transmission media or technologies used, not the overall reach of the network.