Which of the following is a characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is characterized primarily by its ability to cover large geographical areas. This distinguishes it from other types of networks, such as Local Area Networks (LANs), which typically serve a single building or a limited area. WANs facilitate communication and data transfer over long distances, potentially connecting multiple cities, countries, or even continents.

For example, the internet itself is a vast WAN that enables connections across the globe, allowing computers and devices in different locations to communicate effectively. The infrastructure for WANs can include various transmission media, such as fiber optic cables, satellite links, and even wireless connections, but the defining feature is their extensive range, not the specific technology used to connect them.

The other options describe attributes that are not applicable to WANs. They either refer to the characteristics of LANs, which are localized and high-speed, or imply limitations regarding the connectivity technologies used. In contrast, the essence of a WAN lies in its extensive coverage and capacity to integrate multiple networks over long distances.