Personal Area Network, often referred to simply as PAN, is defined as a computer network organized and used by a single user. It is employed to facilitate communication and interaction between a dedicated set of devices typically owned or utilized exclusively by a single user, such as a laptop, smartphone, tablet, printer, digital camera, and/or gaming system. PANs are formed using either wired, wireless, or a combination of both technologies.
A PAN is similar to a LAN in its scope, but it is significantly smaller in terms of the number of users and devices, making it more targeted towards the individual as opposed to a larger enterprise network. It is typically used to share data, such as media files, music, documents and software applications; to enable synchronized systems for printing, tracking, monitoring, gaming, and more; to remotely operate machines such as lights and thermostats; and to provide connectivity between IoT devices. In addition, PANs are very widely used to enable gaming interactions among players in the same local area.
Bluetooth technology is commonly used to construct a PAN, as it is well suited to provide low power radio frequency (RF) communication (typically up to 30m/100ft) between a variety of both stationary and mobile devices. The use of wired technologies such as USB cables or Ethernet connections is still popular among home users, however, it is primarily employed for gaming, when high speed and low latency connections are required.
In terms of security, a PAN is usually considered far more secure than a WLAN, primarily because the more localized range of the network limits the exposure of the resources it is used to communicate. The number of wireless devices located near a PAN is usually much lower than that of a WLAN, making it far less vulnerable to malicious actors and malicious software.
Today, Home or Personal Area Networks offer a wide variety of services to the individual user. They are often the centerpiece for a work-from-home setup, providing solid connectivity for both leisure and work-related tasks. It is a cornerstone of today’s IoT-based consumer lifestyle, as it has been instrumental in the transition to a more digital-based lifestyle and has enabled more seamless experiences for users.
