Which type of network is defined as being in different geographical locations and providing communication to smaller networks using routers and switches?

The correct answer is Wide Area Network (WAN) because it is specifically designed to cover large geographical areas. WANs connect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) or Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and enable communication across significant distances, often utilizing routers and switches to manage traffic and data flow between the smaller networks. This broad connectivity makes WANs essential for organizations that operate over multiple locations, facilitating data sharing and collaboration among dispersed sites.

Local Area Networks (LANs) are limited to a small geographic area, such as a single building or campus, and are not suited for long-distance communication between different locations. Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) cover a larger area than LANs but are still confined to a specific city or region, making them less extensive than WANs. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) are a logical segmentation within a LAN that allows devices to communicate as if they were on the same physical network, regardless of their actual geographical location, but do not facilitate wide-area communication on their own.