What type of network typically covers a relatively small area, such as within a single building?

The correct choice is Local Area Network (LAN), which is designed to connect devices within a limited geographic area, such as a single building or a group of nearby buildings. LANs are commonly used in homes, schools, and businesses to share resources like printers, files, and internet connections among computers and other devices.

A Local Area Network is characterized by high data transfer rates and low latency, making it ideal for situations where many users or devices require reliable access to shared resources. The infrastructure of a LAN typically involves Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi connections, and network devices like routers and switches that facilitate communication between devices.

In contrast, other types of networks, such as Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN), cover larger geographic areas. A MAN spans a city or a town, connecting multiple LANs, while a WAN can encompass a vast geographical area, potentially connecting networks across states or even countries. A Campus Area Network (CAN) typically refers to a network that connects multiple buildings within a campus, like those found at universities, which can be broader than a single building but still serves related purposes in a defined area.

Thus, the key distinction of a LAN lies in its focus on small-scale, localized networking, making it the