What do you call a network that connects two or more LANs within the same geographic area?

A network that connects two or more Local Area Networks (LANs) within the same geographic area is referred to as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). This type of network is designed to cover a larger geographic region than a LAN but is smaller than a Wide Area Network (WAN). A MAN typically serves a city or a large campus, enabling connectivity among various buildings and locations that are close to each other.

With a MAN, organizations can share resources, communicate, and exchange data effectively across different sites within that metropolitan region. This can include data services for local businesses, governmental units, and educational institutions. The infrastructure of a MAN often includes high-capacity transmission media, such as fiber optic cables, to accommodate higher bandwidth requirements.

In contrast, other types of networks mentioned focus on different scopes: a Campus Area Network (CAN) generally includes multiple buildings on a single campus; a Wide Area Network (WAN) connects larger geographic regions and can include connections over long distances; and a Personal Area Network (PAN) is designed for personal devices, typically covering short distances, such as Bluetooth connections between smartphones and headsets. Each type of network has its specific applications and characteristics that cater to its intended use.