What is a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

What is a Personal Area Network?

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a data network that connects electronic devices within the immediate range of the user. The network range for a PAN is generally up to 10 meters.

The interconnected devices may include cellphones, laptops, computers, PDAs, printers, keyboards, and other entertainment devices like game consoles, speakers, or wearable gadgets belonging to a user.

A PAN can connect devices with or without wires. Such a network could also be connected to the internet or other networks.

A Personal Area Network provides a single user environment to connect multiple devices. This type of network is quite useful in offices, homes, and other small network areas because of its exceptional performance in terms of efficiency and flexibility.

It is a low-cost network system that facilitates small area communication, mainly covering personal devices. A PAN is often set up for resource sharing and communication between devices like wireless mouse and keyboard, TV remotes, smartphones, gaming consoles, Bluetooth, wireless USB, wireless printers, and more.