Definition[]
A wireless personal area network (WPAN) (sometimes referred to as a personal area network (PAN)) is a computer network used for communication among personal devices close to the same person, such as between a headset and a personal audio CD or MP3 player, or between a digital camera and a laptop computer.[1]
Overview[]
WPAN can be used for communication between the personal devices themselves, or for connecting to a higher-level network, such as a home network between two or more computers, and to the Internet. The devices may or may not belong to the same person.
WPAN uses point-to-point or peer-to-peer technology without the need for a wireless router, thus reducing infrastructure costs. The reach of a WPAN is typically a few meters. Bluetooth technology is commonly used to establish these types of networks.
WPANs are growing with the advent of wireless USB, a wireless type of networking using ultra-wide band (UWB) radio technology.[2] Wireless USB uses the unlicensed 3.4-10.6 GHz frequency band for UWB communication devices and aims at eliminating cables to allow computer peripherals and multimedia devices to interconnect.[3] Wireless USB offers speeds up to 480 mbps over a range of 30-45 feet.