The Computer Revolution/Networks/PAN

Personal Area Network

Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network that connects an individual’s personal devices that are located close together to communicate and share data. Personal Area Networks can connect these devices up to 30 feet apart from the network location. Devices set up in a PAN can be a computer, printer, scanner, camera, and cellphone. The devices are set up to connect automatically when they are within a certain distance from each other. Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) are connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association, or Wi-Fi. The Bluetooth is dependent on the power class of each device, which ranges from 1 to 100 meters to receive signal. The Infrared Data Association (IrDA) uses short-range communication using infrared light to transmit data.

Bluetooth network topology