What does LAN stand for?

The term LAN stands for Local Area Network. This is a type of network that is typically confined to a small geographic area, such as a single building or a group of buildings. It is used to connect computers and devices within close proximity to facilitate communication and resource sharing.

In contrast to larger networks, such as Wide Area Networks (WANs) that cover more extensive geographic areas, LANs allow for high-speed data transfer and tend to have lower latency. They are commonly used in homes, schools, and offices, allowing users to connect to the internet, share files, play games, and print to shared printers without needing a complex infrastructure.

The other options do not accurately describe the concept of LAN. "Long Area Network," "Large Area Network," and "Low Area Network" are not recognized terms in the field of networking and do not convey the specific characteristics or scope of networks that LAN describes. Thus, "Local Area Network" is the correct definition, emphasizing its localized nature and usage.