What type of network serves several users within a specific geographic area?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is designed to serve multiple users within a specific geographic area, such as a home, office, or building. LANs connect various devices, allowing them to communicate with each other and share resources, such as files and printers, over a limited distance. This makes them ideal for small to medium-sized environments where users need high-speed connectivity without the complexities associated with larger networks.

LANs often utilize Ethernet or Wi-Fi technologies for connectivity, and because they cover a restricted location, they can offer faster data transfer rates and lower latency compared to other types of networks. Unlike a Wide Area Network (WAN), which spans larger distances and connects multiple LANs, or a Personal Area Network (PAN), which is meant for short-range personal devices, a LAN is specifically tailored for the needs of users located in close proximity to one another. This focused capability enhances collaboration, resource sharing, and overall efficiency in environments where users need immediate access to network resources.