LAN stands for "Local Area Network" while it can cover a large area they usually don't. For example an office building generally uses a LAN. And if in a skyscraper that LAN can be quite large. On the same token, if you have a router at your house, and all the computers on that router are connected via ethernet cables. That is also a LAN, but is much smaller.
LAN
(lan) local area network
Lan is a local network such as inside a house or building, or a wireless covering an area locally. Wan is a wide area network such as the Internet. This network covers a large area (can include the world). Wan's consist of many local area networks linked together.
LAN (Local Area Network)A+ guide to SoftwareChapter 8Page 402
Networks can be classified into several sizes based on their geographical coverage and scale. The main types are: Personal Area Network (PAN) - A small network, typically within a range of a few meters, used for connecting personal devices. Local Area Network (LAN) - Covers a limited area, such as a home, office, or building, allowing devices to connect within that space. Wide Area Network (WAN) - Spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs, often using leased telecommunication lines. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - Larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, it typically covers a city or a large campus.
LAN is an accronym for Local Area Network. A LAN is a computer network that covers only a small area, usually within one building, or perhaps provides connectivity across a college campus. Contrast this with the WAN, or wide area network. A link is provided below for review and further investigation.
Size and scope. A LAN is a Local Area Network, and is usually confined to a single building. A MAN is a Metropolitan Area Network and would cover multiple buildings in a city area. A WAN is a Wide Area Network and can cover any size geographical area.
A network that covers a large campus or city is typically referred to as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). This type of network spans a geographical area larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN), typically connecting multiple buildings or sites within a city. MANs are often used by institutions like universities, businesses, or municipalities to facilitate high-speed communication and data sharing across various locations.
Local Area Network
A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network. The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a local area network (LAN). A wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but the term usually connotes the inclusion of public (shared user) networks. An intermediate form of network in terms of geography is a metropolitan area network (MAN).
LAN stands for Local Area Network & WAN stands for Wide Area Network.
PAN = Personal Area Network WAN = Wide Area Network LAN = Local Area Network