What type of network typically connects multiple offices across states or countries?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is designed to cover a large geographic area, making it ideal for connecting multiple offices that are spread across states or even countries. WANs utilize various communication technologies, such as leased lines, broadband internet connections, or satellite links, to facilitate data transfer between distant locations.

In contrast, a Local Area Network (LAN) is limited to a small geographic area, typically within a single building or campus, making it unsuitable for inter-office connections over long distances. A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects networks across a city but is still more limited in scope than a WAN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides secure access over the internet to private networks, but it relies on an underlying WAN to establish connections between different sites. Thus, when considering the need to connect multiple offices that are not in close proximity, a WAN is the most appropriate solution.