What differentiates a wide area network (WAN) from a local area network (LAN)?

The distinction between a wide area network (WAN) and a local area network (LAN) fundamentally lies in geographic size and the IP standards used for communication. WANs cover larger geographic areas, often spanning cities, countries, or even continents, allowing for the connection of multiple LANs. This extensive reach enables WANs to support connectivity over long distances, utilizing various transmission technologies and networking protocols suited for extensive communication.

In contrast, LANs are confined to smaller geographic areas, such as a single building or campus, providing high-speed connections and tighter control over resources. They typically use different networking standards optimized for localized environments, which differ from the standards applicable to WANs. By being designed for such different scopes, these networks utilize technology tailored to their specific operational requirements, making the geographic scope and corresponding protocols the key differentiators.

The other options, such as the number of connected devices, type of connectivity equipment, and rate of data transfer, while they may vary between WANs and LANs, do not serve as the primary factors that define the nature of these networks. The core difference, therefore, lies in their geographic range and the standards used to facilitate communication.