A Local Area Network (LAN) is characterized by which description?

• A. A computer network that spans multiple cities and countries.
• B. A wireless protocol used exclusively for home automation.
• C. A public network providing global connectivity for all users.
• D. A computer network within an organization, supporting devices, linking computers, printers, servers, etc., and supporting audio, video, and data exchange. It generally operates at 10, 100, or 1,000 Mbps.

Answer: (D)

A local area network is a computer network confined to a limited geographic area, such as a single building or campus, typically owned and operated by a single organization. It connects various devices—computers, printers, servers, phones, and more—so they can share resources and exchange data, including audio and video, at high speeds. Common Ethernet speeds for a LAN are 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps, reflecting fast local connectivity that supports multiple devices and applications within that organization.

The other descriptions don’t fit as well: spanning multiple cities or countries describes a wide area network, not a LAN. A public global network describes the internet, not a private local network. A wireless protocol used exclusively for home automation is too narrow and misses the broader scope and typical device mix and speeds of a LAN, which can be wired or wireless and is usually configured to serve an organization’s internal needs.