Personal area networks

Personal area networks (PANs) are short-range wireless networks that work over a range of tens of metres. They replace cables that connect devices to peripherals like keyboards and printers.

Typical PAN technologies include:

• Cordless products - such as mouse devices and keyboards that use radio or infrared. These are low-cost and easy to set up and use. Certain products, such as the cordless phone, can have a considerably wider range.
• Bluetooth - which allows enabled devices such as phones, mobiles, mouse devices, headsets, PCs, printers and keyboards to connect wirelessly within a range of ten metres. Bluetooth technology is often built into devices or can be added via adapters.

Business uses of PANs

Personal area networks can help businesses in practical ways. For example, they can:

• free up floor space by removing unwanted cables
• synchronise data automatically between devices like phones and laptops
• let mobile staff print or connect to office equipment
• help control equipment/machinery wirelessly - eg car diagnostics for service teams

PANs can have other interesting applications, including:

• 'smart' badges at venues and events to share contacts or control access
• asset tracking on tools, stock or vehicles in warehouses or sites
• linking IoT devices like temperature sensors in storage or machinery health checks
• linking card readers to phones for quick transactions at markets or pop-ups

Personal area network - advantages and disadvantages

PANs are efficient, cost-effective and convenient for close-range needs. However:

• they can interfere with other wireless signals on the same frequencies
• Bluetooth offers slow data speeds and short range, so it's not for larger areas

For wider coverage, see wireless local area networks (LANs).