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

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is primarily designed to connect geographically dispersed networks, allowing communication and data exchange over large distances. This capability is crucial for organizations with multiple offices located in different cities or countries, enabling them to operate as a cohesive unit despite their physical separation.

The functionality of a WAN helps in integrating various network segments, providing a means for users at one location to access resources, applications, and information stored on networks located far away. WAN technologies, such as leased lines, satellite links, and VPNs, are utilized to facilitate this connectivity.

The other options present different networking concepts. Connecting devices within a limited area aligns with the function of a Local Area Network (LAN), not a WAN, which is focused on broader connectivity. Creating a wireless local network pertains to wireless LANs (WLANs). Providing access to configurable pools of storage addresses aspects of cloud computing and storage networks, which do not necessarily define WANs. These distinctions reinforce the critical role of WANs in linking different internal networks over vast geographical areas.