personal area network (PAN)

PersonalArea Networks(PAN) are micro networks for personal communication. The components of a personal area network are located within a room or at a short distance from each other.

PAN network structures can be used to connect peripheral devices to a computer or to connect external input devices and network multiple personal computers(PCs). Personal Area Networks are also found in eHealth in home patient monitoring, home health or telehealth, where the patient measures his medical data and transmits the readings to the doctor's office or hospital via the Internet.

PANs can operate both wired and wirelessly. Well-known wireless PANs include the Wireless Personal Area Network(WPAN), Bluetooth and Infrared Data Association( IrDA), as well as ZigBee and the proprietary ANT+.