What acronym represents a network that spans a city and connects multiple local area networks?

The correct answer is associated with the term "MAN," which stands for Metropolitan Area Network. This type of network is specifically designed to cover a larger area than a local area network (LAN), typically spanning a geographic region like a city or a large campus. MANs are used to connect multiple LANs within a specific geographical area, enabling high-speed connectivity and efficient communication between local networks. They serve as a bridge to connect users and devices across a city, supporting various data services and applications.

In contrast, LAN refers to local area networks that are typically confined to a single building or a group of buildings, providing connectivity within a more limited space. WAN, or Wide Area Network, covers much larger distances—often connecting networks over vast geographical areas, like cities, countries, or even across the globe. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and primarily focuses on creating a secure connection over a public network, enabling private communication rather than being defined by geographic reach or area coverage. This context clarifies why "MAN" is the most appropriate choice for the question regarding a network that spans a city.