What type of network connects a variety of devices within a single building?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is specifically designed to connect a variety of devices within a limited geographic area, such as a single building or a group of nearby buildings. This type of network facilitates communication between computers, printers, and other devices, allowing them to share resources like files and internet connections efficiently.

The key characteristics of a LAN include high data transfer rates, limited distance coverage, and the ability to support a large number of connected devices. Because the network infrastructure is typically owned by the organization operating the LAN, it offers greater control over the setup and management compared to other types of networks.

In contrast, Wide Area Networks (WANs) cover larger geographical areas, such as cities or countries, while Personal Area Networks (PANs) focus on connecting devices over very short distances, usually for personal use, and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) connect multiple LANs within a specific geographical area, like a city. Therefore, a LAN is the appropriate answer for connecting various devices within a single building.