What defines a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is characterized by a network designed to connect computers and devices that are in close proximity, typically within a single building or a campus. This close proximity allows for high-speed data transfer and minimal latency compared to wider area networks. LANs are commonly used in environments like offices, schools, and homes to facilitate resource sharing, such as files and printers, among connected devices.

The defining feature of a LAN is its limited geographical area, usually confined to a few hundred meters. This leads to a number of advantages, including lower costs for cabling and hardware, as well as the ability to provide a secure networking environment, with less exposure to external threats compared to networks that span broader geographical distances.

In contrast, other options refer to networks that either cover larger geographic areas or serve different purposes, which do not align with the concept of a LAN. For example, networks spanning multiple cities or connecting devices separated by significant distances are typically categorized as Wide Area Networks (WANs). Therefore, a network for computers in close proximity accurately captures the essence of a Local Area Network.