What type of network is the Internet classified as?

The Internet is classified as a Wide Area Network (WAN) because it spans large geographical areas and connects multiple smaller networks together. Unlike Local Area Networks (LANs), which are limited to a small geographic area, such as a single building or campus, WANs can connect networks over vast distances, potentially covering entire countries or continents. The Internet interlinks countless individual devices and networks globally, allowing for communication and data exchange across different locations and infrastructures. This characteristic of extensive reach and integration is what distinguishes the Internet as a WAN.

HyperText Network is not a standard classification of networks; it refers more specifically to the way linked text (hyperlinks) are utilized on the web. Intranet describes private networks used within organizations, typically limiting access to their members. Therefore, the classification as a Wide Area Network accurately captures the scale and connectivity of the Internet.