Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network designed to connect individual devices over a very short range, typically within a few meters. It is commonly used to connect devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, wireless headsets, smartwatches, and other wearable or peripheral devices.
PANs often use technologies like:
The key characteristics of a PAN include:
Short physical range (typically a few meters around a person)
Personal use, focused on a single user’s devices
Low power, wireless communication, suitable for mobile and wearable devices
Why the other options are incorrect:
B. Local area – A Local Area Network (LAN) covers a larger area such as a home, office, or building and typically connects computers, printers, and servers, not just a single person’s close-range devices.
C. Cellular – A cellular network is provided by mobile carriers and covers large geographic areas, enabling mobile phone communication over many miles, not just within a short personal range.
D. Wide area – A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans cities, countries, or even globally, connecting multiple LANs across long distances.
Therefore, the network type that connects smartphones and similar devices within a short range is a Personal Area Network (PAN).
[Reference:Information Technology Management Study Guide – Network Types and Architectures: PAN, LAN, WAN (WGU ITM Curriculum)., ==================================================, ]
