With the world expanding at a rapid rate, a lot of our valuable time is consumed in being in contact with our families and office colleagues. Communication is at the root of our day-to-day activities. This Communication has been made easier by the development and advancement in scientific technology.

PDAs, cellular phones, laptops, pagers, etc. have become essential for us. We rely heavily on these devices and more to get access to the crucial information we require for our daily activities. But carrying all these devices and maintaining sync between them has become a crisis. This is where Personal Area Network (PAN) enters the picture.

Personal Area Networks

- Thomas Zimmerman and other researchers at M.L.T.'s Media Lab initiated the idea of a PAN and later this idea was supported by IBM's Almaden research lab. Zimmerman explained the significance of this concept in a research paper:

As electronic devices become smaller, lower in power requirements, and less expensive, we have begun to adorn our bodies with personal information and communication appliances. Such devices include cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pocket video games, and pagers. Currently there is no method for these devices to share data. Networking these devices can reduce functional I/O redundancies and allow new conveniences and services.

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the interconnection of various scientific devices, within the range of an individual person, through some form of wireless technology. For example, a person carrying a laptop, a PDA and a portable scanner can interconnect all these devices without the requirement of plugging them in by using wires.

Typical Range a Few Feet

Personal Area Networks (PANs) operate within the range of tens of meters.

Most popular method with Bluetooth (unlike older IR, not line of sight)

One method of transferring information between devices is Infrared technology, but IR is not suitable for devices that are hidden in pockets or briefcases. Focused IR relies on line-of-sight transmission, which is difficult to maintain because devices that are present within a person's wallet for instance are constantly moving. Whereas, Bluetooth is a far field radio technology enabling relatively secure communication between devices, hence it is the most widely used PAN technology. Bluetooth technology is built in a lot of devices, while other devices can be installed with one.

Greatest Advantages less cluttered than wired network, gives worker more freedom of movement

Wireless connections eradicate the use of unwanted wiring and liberate floor space.
Connected Bluetooth device enables automatic downloading and updating of data.
Office-based peripherals can be accessed by mobile-employees through Bluetooth connected devices like printer.
Bluetooth can be used to wirelessly control equipment and machinery. For example, the engine management system in a car could be Bluetooth-enabled, allowing the service engineer to diagnose and fix faults.

Continue to: Top Rated Bluetooth Accessories for PANS

Learn the Basics of Bluetooth Technology
Complete List of the Top-Rated Bluetooth Headsets
The Future of Information Tracking, RFID

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Best Personal Area Networks with Bluetooth

Personal Area Networks

Typical Range a Few Feet

Greatest Advantages less cluttered than wired network, gives worker more freedom of movement

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