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Personal Area Network

A network for interconnecting electronic devices within an individual person's workspace, typically within a range of 10 meters.

AbbreviationPAN
Categorynetwork

Overview

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest type of network, designed for personal use. It connects devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable technology.

Key Technologies

  • Bluetooth: The most common technology for wireless PANs (WPANs).
  • USB: Used for wired PAN connections.
  • NFC: For very short-range communication (e.g., contactless payments).

Examples

  • Connecting a wireless headset to a smartphone.
  • Syncing a smartwatch with a tablet.
  • Transferring files between a laptop and a phone via Bluetooth.

Related Terms

BluetoothNear Field CommunicationZigbee