What characterizes a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is characterized by its ability to connect devices that are in close physical proximity to each other, typically within a single building or a group of buildings. This proximity allows for high-speed communication and data transfer between connected devices, such as computers, printers, and switches, enabling efficient resource sharing and collaboration among users.

LANs are generally limited in geographical coverage compared to other types of networks, such as wide area networks (WANs), which span larger distances. The primary use of LANs is seen in home environments, schools, and small to medium-sized businesses, where multiple devices need to share resources and communicate without the need for extensive infrastructure. In this context, the scale and setup of LANs differ significantly from the other options presented, as they do not require satellite communication or exclusive use within large corporations.