Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a local area network (LAN)?

1. To connect computers over a large geographic area

2. To enable high-speed data communication in a small geographic area

3. To manage internet traffic for multiple devices

4. To store large amounts of data remotely

The correct answer is: To enable high-speed data communication in a small geographic area

The primary purpose of a local area network (LAN) is to enable high-speed data communication in a small geographic area. LANs are designed to connect devices such as computers, printers, and servers within a limited space, such as an office building, school, or home. This setup allows for efficient sharing of resources and data, supporting activities like file sharing, communication applications, and collaborative projects. The design of a LAN typically facilitates high data transfer speeds, which is advantageous for applications that require fast connectivity and low latency, such as video conferencing or gaming. By keeping the network confined to a smaller area, LANs can take advantage of a more controlled environment to optimize performance compared to wide area networks (WANs) that cover larger geographic spaces. In contrast to the other options, which describe different networking concepts, the focus of a LAN is specifically on local connectivity and speed. Connecting computers over a large geographic area pertains to WANs, managing internet traffic relates more to network routers or service providers, and storing large amounts of data remotely aligns with cloud storage services rather than the inherent purpose of a LAN.