A network that covers a large geographic area is most commonly referred to as what?

A network that covers a large geographic area is commonly referred to as a Wide Area Network (WAN). WANs are designed to connect multiple smaller networks, such as Local Area Networks (LANs), that may be dispersed over cities, countries, or even continents. This type of network is essential for organizations that operate in multiple locations and need to share data and resources across significant distances.

WANs typically use various transmission technologies, including satellite links, leased lines, and microwave transmissions, to connect distant sites. They facilitate communication and resource sharing among geographically separated users, making them vital for businesses with branches in different locations or those that rely on secure communication with remote servers.

In contrast, Local Area Networks (LANs) are limited to a smaller geographic area like a home, school, or building, and intranets are private networks accessible only to an organization’s staff, serving as an internal platform for information sharing. Peer-to-peer networks allow direct communication between devices without the need for a central server but are also typically restricted to small-scale environments.