What does WAN stand for?

WAN stands for Wide Area Network. This term describes a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs). Wide Area Networks are essential for organizations that need to link offices in different locations, whether within a single country or across the globe. They enable communication and resource sharing across vast distances, utilizing various transmission media, such as leased lines, satellites, and public networks like the internet.

The other options do not accurately define WAN. For instance, a Wireless Area Network refers specifically to a wireless connection within a limited range, typically smaller than what would qualify as a wide area network. Web Access Network implies a network designed primarily for internet access, which is too narrow a scope. Lastly, Work Area Network is not a recognized term in networking, and it does not convey the expansive nature that a Wide Area Network signifies.