Which of the following terms refers to a small single site computer network, typically used within one building or campus?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: LAN

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to basic networking concepts. Computer networks are classified according to their size and geographic spread. A small network that connects computers within one room, building or campus has a specific name that appears frequently in exams and textbooks. Recognising the correct term is important for understanding network diagrams and real life installations in offices and schools.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The description is a small single site network.
  • Examples would include a school lab, office floor or home network.
  • Options include LAN, DSL, RAM, USB and CPU.
  • We assume standard textbook definitions of these abbreviations.


Concept / Approach:
LAN stands for Local Area Network and is defined as a network that covers a small geographic area such as a room, building or campus. It connects computers and devices so that they can share resources. DSL is Digital Subscriber Line, a technology used for internet access over telephone lines. RAM is Random Access Memory, a type of computer memory. USB is Universal Serial Bus, a type of connection interface. CPU is Central Processing Unit. Only LAN describes a type of network.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that networks are often grouped into categories such as LAN, MAN and WAN. Step 2: LAN stands for Local Area Network and is used when all connected devices are in a relatively small local area. Step 3: A single site network in one building or campus clearly fits the definition of a local area network. Step 4: DSL is a communication technology that provides high speed internet access, not the network itself. Step 5: RAM, USB and CPU are internal hardware or interfaces of a computer, not names of networks. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer that matches the description is LAN.


Verification / Alternative check:
Computer fundamentals books normally define LAN as a network that covers a small geographical region, such as a building, group of buildings or campus. They also provide examples like office networks and school lab networks. In contrast, MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network and covers a city, and WAN stands for Wide Area Network and covers large regions or countries. Since the question restricts the network to a single site, that matches the scope of a LAN rather than MAN or WAN. Among the given options, only LAN represents that idea.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
DSL is a line technology enabling internet access but is not itself a network type. RAM is a memory that stores data temporarily inside a computer. USB is a standard for connecting devices such as flash drives and printers. CPU is the processing unit of a computer. None of these terms describes a small single site network.


Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to choose any technical sounding abbreviation without recalling what it stands for. To avoid this, always expand the abbreviations in your mind. When you remember that LAN means Local Area Network, the connection with a local single site network becomes obvious. Practising expansions of common IT abbreviations can significantly reduce such errors in exams.


Final Answer:
A small single site network is called a LAN, which stands for Local Area Network.

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