Which network type can be expanded beyond a single building using a series of access points?

The correct answer is WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). A WLAN is specifically designed to allow devices to connect to a network wirelessly, which provides flexibility in terms of mobility and connectivity compared to a traditional wired LAN. Access points can be strategically placed to extend the coverage of the network beyond a single building, allowing users to connect to the network from various locations within the extended coverage area without being tethered by cables.

This capability makes a WLAN particularly useful in large campuses, hotels, or business parks where connectivity needs to be available in multiple locations over a broader area than what a single access point can cover. Each access point connects back to a central network router or switch, enabling seamless communication across the infrastructure.

In contrast, a LAN typically refers to a network that operates within a single building or closely situated group of buildings, and it relies predominantly on wired connections. While a VPN is used primarily for secure communications over the internet, it does not define a network topology; instead, it connects users to a secure remote network. A MAN covers a larger geographical area than a LAN, often spanning an entire city but is not specifically designed to expand through access points in the same flexible manner as a WLAN.