A local area network (LAN) connects computers within a limited area like a home or office using technologies like Ethernet or wireless. A metropolitan area network (MAN) covers a larger area like a city using technologies that can transmit data faster than a LAN over distances of up to 50 km. A wide area network (WAN) connects multiple LANs over an even larger geographical area like a country or between countries using technologies like dial-up, leased lines, or ISDN that can transmit data over hundreds or thousands of kilometers.