Which of the following is the largest type of network in terms of geographic area?

The largest type of network in terms of geographic area is a Wide Area Network (WAN). A WAN spans a broad geographic area, which can encompass regions, countries, or even continents. It connects multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) and Municipal Area Networks (MANs) across significant distances, often using public or private communication links such as leased lines, satellite links, or fiber optics.

The functionality of a WAN allows organizations to communicate and share data across various locations, providing the necessary infrastructure for remote offices or branch locations to interact. This capacity to connect distant sites makes WANs integral for businesses with a global presence or for government entities managing widespread operations.

In contrast, Local Area Networks (LANs) are limited to smaller regions such as a single building or site, and Municipal Area Networks (MANs) cover larger areas than LANs but are still confined to specific cities or towns. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), while valuable for secure communication across insecure networks like the internet, do not define a geographic scale but rather enable secure connections over existing networks.