A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small network used for connecting devices within a short range — typically within 10 meters. It is mainly designed for personal use, allowing devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wireless headphones to communicate with each other.
Key Features of PAN:
Short-range
communication (usually a few meters)
Used by
one person
Connects personal
devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, and laptops
Can be wired
(USB) or wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc.)
Types of PAN:
Wired PAN
– Uses cables like USB to connect devices (e.g., connecting your phone to a
computer).
Wireless
PAN – Uses wireless technologies like:
Bluetooth
Infrared
Wi-Fi
Direct
Examples of PAN in Daily Life:
Sending
files between two phones using Bluetooth
Connecting
wireless earbuds to your smartphone
Using a
smartwatch synced to your mobile
Tethering
your mobile data to a laptop via Wi-Fi hotspot
Advantages of PAN:
Easy to
set up
Cost-effective
Great for
personal data sharing
Low power
consumption
Limitations:
Very
limited range
Not
suitable for large networks
Security
risks if not configured properly
A Personal
Area Network (PAN) is the simplest and most personal form of networking.
It makes daily digital tasks easier — like sharing files, listening to music,
or syncing devices all within your reach.
