Which type of wireless network covers extensive areas like towns and cities?

The type of wireless network that covers extensive areas like towns and cities is the Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN). WWANs are designed to provide connectivity over larger distances using cellular technologies such as LTE and 5G. This allows users to access the internet over extensive geographical locations, which can include multiple towns and cities, making it an ideal choice for mobile devices and users who need to remain connected while on the move.

The other types of networks have more specific coverage limitations. For instance, Personal Area Networks (PAN) are typically used for connecting devices within a very small area, such as within a room or a few meters distance. Local Area Networks (LAN) provide connectivity in limited geographic areas, such as within a single building or a group of buildings, and are not designed for broader coverage. Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) do cover larger areas than LANs, but they are often limited to a specific city or a large campus rather than extending beyond that. Therefore, WWAN is the correct choice for extensive wireless coverage across towns and cities.