What is the primary function of a WAN?

The primary function of a Wide Area Network (WAN) is to connect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs), Campus Area Networks (CANs), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) over extensive geographical areas. This connectivity allows organizations with multiple locations to share resources, communicate effectively, and access information seamlessly across vast distances.

This differentiates WANs from other types of networks, which typically cover smaller, more localized areas. For instance, LANs serve a limited space like a single building, while MANs may span a city. WANs are crucial for businesses and institutions that need to maintain operations across cities, states, or even countries, enabling them to collaborate and operate as a unified entity despite physical separation.

The other options do not embody the primary function of WANs. Connecting local devices pertains more to LANs, enhancing security measures is a broader topic relating to network protocols rather than a primary WAN function, and data storage secure practices are typically managed within storage area networks or cloud services rather than being a core attribute of WANs.