What type of network is designed to connect computers in close proximity, such as an office or school?

A local area network (LAN) is specifically designed to connect computers and devices within a limited geographic area, such as an office, school, or home. This type of network enables high-speed data transfer and facilitates resource sharing like printers, file servers, and internet access among connected devices.

The characteristics of a LAN include its relatively low cost, ease of installation, and management, as well as its capability to provide reliable and fast connectivity within its defined area. Typically, LANs use technologies such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, which further enhance their effectiveness in close proximity settings.

In contrast, wide area networks (WANs) connect devices over larger geographical distances, like cities or countries, which would make them unsuitable for the close-range networking described. Metropolitan area networks (MANs) cover a larger area than LANs but are still smaller than WANs, typically spanning a city. Conversely, a cloud-based network refers to services and resources accessed over the internet, not a physical network connecting local devices. Thus, a LAN is the ideal choice for connecting computers in close proximity like an office or school.