What characterizes a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is specifically designed to connect devices that are in close proximity to an individual, typically within a few meters. This makes it ideal for personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable technology. The limited range allows for a convenient and low-power way to link devices that typically belong to one user, facilitating activities like transferring files or sharing internet connections.

This characteristic of connecting devices within a limited range directly defines what a PAN is, distinguishing it from broader network types like Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), or Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), which cover larger geographic areas and support more extensive infrastructures. The focus of a PAN on personal connectivity emphasizes the convenience and mobility for individual use rather than organizational or extensive wired approaches.