Which type of network spans a large geographical area like a country or state?

A wide area network (WAN) is designed to cover large geographical areas, such as a country or state. WANs can connect multiple local area networks (LANs) that may be situated far apart, utilizing various transmission technologies such as leased lines, satellite links, or even the internet to enable communication between distant sites.

WANs are particularly advantageous for organizations that operate in multiple locations or require access to centralized data resources and services across vast distances. This capability enables businesses to effectively collaborate and share information regardless of their physical locations.

In contrast, local area networks are restricted to smaller geographic areas, such as a single building or campus, while metropolitan area networks cover larger regions, typically spanning a city or a large campus. Personal area networks are meant for very short distances, generally within a range of a few meters, such as connecting devices within an individual's space. Each of these alternatives serves different connectivity needs and scales, which is why they do not fit the requirement for spanning large geographical areas.