Which network type is generally larger in scale, LAN or WAN?

The correct answer is WAN, which stands for Wide Area Network. A WAN is designed to cover a much larger geographical area than a Local Area Network (LAN), which is typically confined to a small area such as a single building or campus. For example, a WAN can span across cities, countries, or even connect multiple LANs together across long distances using various communication links such as leased lines, satellite links, or the internet. This characteristic of WANs allows organizations to connect different branch offices or users who are far apart, enabling communication and data exchange on a large scale.

In contrast, a LAN is limited to a smaller physical area and is used primarily for connecting devices like computers, printers, and servers within a single location. As such, the scale of a LAN is much smaller than that of a WAN, which is essential to understand when evaluating networks for specific applications and needs.