Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

Which type of network is most commonly used in hospitals?

1. PAN

2. WAN

3. LAN

4. MAN

The correct answer is: LAN

The most commonly used type of network in hospitals is a Local Area Network (LAN). A LAN is ideal for these settings because it allows for high-speed connectivity over a relatively small geographic area, such as a hospital or a specific department within it. This type of network supports the efficient sharing of resources, such as electronic health records, medical imaging systems, and communication tools among healthcare professionals. In a hospital environment, a LAN can connect computers, printers, and servers in close proximity, enhancing collaboration and data-sharing capabilities. The speed and bandwidth of a LAN ensure that large files, such as imaging data and patient records, can be shared quickly and effectively, which is crucial in providing timely patient care. While other network types exist, such as Personal Area Networks (PAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), they are typically not suited to the specific needs of a hospital. PANs are limited to very small areas and would not adequately serve the expansive layout of a hospital. WANs cover larger geographic areas and are often used to connect multiple locations, which is not the primary requirement within a single hospital. MANs, while larger than LANs and smaller than WANs, are generally used in urban areas and are not as common