Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 46%

What is a situation in which a wide area network (WAN) should be used?

Rationale

A company needs to create a network to connect computers in its business locations around the world.

A wide area network (WAN) is specifically designed to connect multiple locations that are geographically dispersed, making it ideal for a company with business locations around the world. This allows for communication and data sharing over long distances, which is essential for global operations.

A (A small business needs to set up a network to connect office computers, a server, and a printer.) YOUR ANSWER

This scenario describes a local area network (LAN) setup, which is suitable for small businesses operating within a single location. LANs are designed for short-distance connections, typically within a single building, making them inadequate for wide area networking needs.

C (A hospital has four buildings at one location and needs to set up a network to share information among the computers in all four buildings.) YOUR ANSWER

The situation outlined involves connecting multiple buildings within a single site, which is characteristic of a campus area network (CAN) or a LAN. Since all buildings are in proximity, a WAN would not be necessary or appropriate for this local interconnection.

D (A firm has one warehouse and three offices spanning five miles and needs to set up a network to share information among the locations.) YOUR ANSWER

While this scenario does involve connecting multiple locations, five miles is still within the range that can be managed by a LAN or a point-to-point connection. WANs are typically utilized for much larger distances, making this choice less suitable compared to a global context.

Conclusion

A WAN is essential for facilitating communication and network connectivity across vast geographical distances, particularly for companies with international operations. The correct answer illustrates the need for WAN technology in a global business setting, while the other options pertain to local networking solutions that do not require the extensive capabilities of a WAN. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective network planning and implementation.

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