What does the acronym LAN stand for in networking?

The correct answer is Local Area Network. This term refers to a network that is typically confined to a small geographical area, such as a single building, office, or campus. LANs are designed to connect computers and devices within close proximity to facilitate communication and resource sharing, such as printers, files, and internet connections.

This acronym is widely used in networking to differentiate between various types of networks based on their coverage areas. Unlike Wide Area Networks (WANs), which cover large distances and connect multiple LANs, a LAN is characterized by its high data transfer rates and its relatively low latency. This makes LANs ideal for environments where a lot of data needs to be exchanged frequently, such as in homes, schools, and businesses.