|  | 1.4 | Basic Networking Terminology
| 1.4.3 | Data Networking Solutions
For your studies, most data networks are classified as either local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). LANs are usually located in single buildings or campuses, and handle interoffice communications. WANs cover a large geographical area, and connect cities and countries. Several useful examples of LANs and WANs appear in the figure; these examples should be referred back to whenever there's a question about what constitutes a LAN or WAN. LANs and/or WANs can also be linked by internetworking.