Which type of network covers a small geographic area, such as a single building?

The type of network that covers a small geographic area, such as a single building, is a local area network (LAN). LANs are designed to connect computers and devices within a limited area, typically up to a few kilometers. This makes them ideal for environments like offices, schools, or homes, where multiple devices need to communicate and share resources such as printers or internet connections over a relatively short distance.

Technically, a LAN allows for high data transfer rates, low latency, and simple configuration, which supports effective local communication and resource sharing. In a LAN, devices can be connected via wired connections (like Ethernet cables) or wirelessly (using Wi-Fi), promoting flexibility in how users access the network.

In contrast, other types of networks serve broader purposes: a wide area network (WAN) connects devices over long distances, typically spanning cities, countries, or even continents; a metropolitan area network (MAN) covers a larger geographic area than a LAN but is still confined to a single city or region; a campus area network (CAN) connects multiple LANs across a larger campus, such as a university. However, for the specific context of connecting devices within a single building, a LAN is the most appropriate choice.