Which type of facilities do WANs often rely on for connections?

Wide Area Networks (WANs) typically leverage telephone company transmission facilities for their connections. This is because WANs are designed to connect locations that are geographically dispersed, often over long distances. These transmission facilities provide the necessary infrastructure to support high-capacity data transfer and reliable communication links across various regions.

Telephone companies have established robust networks and specialized infrastructure—such as fiber optic cables and microwave transmission systems—that are fundamental for long-distance communication, making them well-suited for WAN operations. Additionally, these facilities are often equipped with the necessary technology to handle various types of data transmission, including voice, video, and internet data, ensuring that a WAN can provide comprehensive support for a range of applications.

On the other hand, while data facilities, server rooms, and local broadband networks play important roles within smaller, more localized networks or specific operational contexts, they do not provide the extensive reach and infrastructure that WANs require for connecting multiple distant locations over large geographical areas.