OCR GCSE Computer Science Complete Practice Exam 2025

The correct answer is Wide Area Network (WAN). A WAN spans a large geographical area, allowing for communication and data exchange over long distances. This type of network connects multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) and can cover cities, countries, and even continents. The Internet itself is the largest WAN, as it interconnects numerous smaller networks globally.

In contrast, a Local Area Network (LAN) is limited to a smaller geographic area, like a single building or campus. A Personal Area Network (PAN) is meant for connecting devices within the range of an individual, typically within a few meters, such as linking a smartphone to a laptop via Bluetooth. The term Global Area Network (GAN) is less commonly used and typically refers to a theoretical network covering the entire globe, which is conceptually similar to a WAN but not standardized or widely recognized in networking terms. Thus, WAN is the appropriate term for networks that cover vast distances like the internet.