Which of the following is an example of a wide area network?

The internet as a whole is considered an example of a wide area network (WAN) because it spans vast geographical areas, connecting multiple smaller networks, including local area networks (LANs) and other WANs across cities, countries, and even continents. A WAN is characterized by its ability to facilitate communication over long distances, providing connectivity to a variety of devices and users.

In contrast, other options represent different types of networks. A home Wi-Fi network is typically a local area network (LAN) that serves devices within a single household. An office intranet is also usually a LAN or a private network limited to a specific organization. A departmental network in a university generally functions as a LAN, serving specific users within a limited scope. These networks are not designed to connect users over the large geographic distances that classify a WAN.