Final answer:
A WAN or Wide Area Network is a computer network that is spread out over a large geographic area, connecting smaller networks like LANs and CANs over cities, states, or even countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
A computer network that is spread out over a large geographic area is known as a WAN, which stands for Wide Area Network. This type of network can encompass a large geographical area, such as a city, a state, or even multiple countries, and it is used to connect smaller networks together. In contrast, a LAN (Local Area Network) covers a much smaller area like an office or a building, a CAN (Campus Area Network) connects networks within a limited geographic area like a university campus, and a PAN (Personal Area Network) is meant for personal devices within a range of a few meters.