Personal Area Network (PAN)

A Personal Area Network, or PAN, is a network designed to connect devices within a very limited physical area. Typical devices include smartphones, notebooks, tablets, smartwatches, headsets, keyboards and other peripherals. Communication can be wired or wireless. Wireless connections commonly use technologies such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy or NFC. A wireless implementation is also referred to as a Wireless Personal Area Network, or WPAN. Compared with Local Area Networks, the operating range is significantly smaller and generally focuses on the immediate environment of an individual or workstation. PANs can be used to exchange data between devices, connect peripherals or provide internet access through a smartphone.