What is the primary role of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

The primary role of a Wide Area Network (WAN) is to enable the interconnection of multiple Local Area Networks (LANs). WANs are designed to cover large geographical areas and connect various LANs, allowing them to communicate and share resources over long distances. This capability is crucial for organizations with multiple branches or offices that need to share data and applications seamlessly.

WANs employ various communication technologies, such as leased lines, satellite links, and fiber optics, to facilitate this connectivity. By effectively linking different LANs, a WAN allows users in various locations to access the same network resources, ensuring collaboration and operational efficiency across distant sites. This level of interconnectivity is essential for modern organizations, making the role of WANs pivotal in enterprise networking.

The other options do not capture the essence of a WAN's purpose; they focus on different aspects of network functionality such as local communication, security, or internet connectivity, rather than the overarching aim of linking multiple networks over large distances.