PAN (Personal Area Network)

A personal area network (PAN) is a small network that connects electronic devices within a user's immediate area, typically within a few meters. PANs can be wired or wireless, but most are wireless and use technologies like Bluetooth, WiFi, IrDA, or Zigbee.

PANs are designed to allow devices to communicate and share data, applications, and resources. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Connecting devices

PANs can connect devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, printers, and keyboards.

Syncing data

PANs can easily sync data between devices.

Remote control

PANs can be used to control other devices, such as using a smartphone as a remote control for another device.

Connecting to the internet

A device in a PAN can connect to a local area network (LAN) that then connects to the internet.

PANs are different from local area networks (LANs) because they are mainly used for low-data-rate applications and can include mobile devices.

Some types of PANs include:

• Body area networks (BANs): Used in healthcare settings to monitor vital signs and manage medical devices.
• Bluetooth personal area networks (BTPANs): Used to share internet connectivity between devices wirelessly.
• Low-power personal area networks (LPPANs): Used for portable devices because of their low energy consumption and data transmission costs.