Advantages and Disadvantages of Personal Area Network

A personal area network (PAN) is an interconnection between multiple devices like smartphones, computers, and other digital devices. For personal work purposes like data sharing among devices, PAN is used.

What is a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

Personal Area Network is defined as a type of wireless network of devices such as computers and other peripherals like mobile, printers, laptops, etc. that are within the range of 10 meters. It is a short-range communication technology for devices present within small distances. PAN makes use of short-range Radio Frequency(RF). Within the network devices can share images, videos, audio, and text files. It is a low-cost and low-power technology.

Features of Personal Area Network

• Transmission of data can be done within the 10-meter range in the Personal Area Network.
• Personal Area Network requires less power.
• Personal Area Network is a cost-effective approach.
• The devices in PAN are mobile, Bluetooth devices, speakers, laptops, and computers.
• Personal Area Network makes use of short-range Radio Frequency.

Advantages of Personal Area Network

1. Security

The most important feature for the devices connected to the network is security. Personal Area Network is more secure as compared to other networks that are wired such as Ethernet. Personal Area Network makes use of data encryption that is being used or transmitted by the devices connected to the network. All the devices that want to transmit data in the network need to first take permission from the authorized party in order to avoid attack or interruption from any other party outside the network.

2. Cost Effective

As multiple devices are connected in the network there is no need for cables and wires for building the connection between devices. Rather than using cables, the devices are connected with the help of radio frequency. The devices make use of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi as a medium between other devices in the network. Upon the use of the internet, no additional data charges are applied. Therefore personal area network is more cost-effective as compared to other networks.

3. Synchronization

Data synchronization is easy in personal area networks. The data can get synchronized easily between the connected devices in the network. The devices connected to the network can be used to exchange data, download or share data and upload data.

4. Easy to use

Personal Area Network is easy to use and user-friendly. Without any problem, the devices get connected to other available devices. The list of devices is available, the user can select the device present in the list. Once selected the device gets connected automatically. The devices are also easy to use and identifiable as they have a unique IP address.

5. Versatile

The use of a Personal Area Network is versatile. It is used in many applications such as bluetooth, headsets, printers, AC remotes, and smart TVs. As personal area networks can be connected easily it is used in smaller area applications.

6. Auto- Configuration

Personal Area Network has the feature of auto configuration. The network is made auto-configurable so that devices get added to it automatically. In personal area network there is no need for manual configuration. Configuration of a personal area network is easier as compared to local area network(LAN).

Disadvantages of Personal Area Network

1. No Broadcasting

Personal Area Network has a major disadvantage in that it is not a broadcasting technology. If one device wants to send the same message to all the devices connected to the network at the same time, it cannot send the message. If the number of receiving devices gets increase it does not work. Therefore personal area networks cannot be used in large applications where more devices are used and are connected at long distances.

2. Unreliable

Personal Area Networks are not reliable as compared to wide area networks(WAN). The transmission of data and reliability of a personal area network depends upon the distance of devices and the quality of transmission done by radio frequency. Therefore personal area networks are less reliable.

3. Signal Interference

As data transmission and communication between the devices connected in personal area network works on infrared rays. Other signals are also present at the same time. Therefore these signals can interfere with other available signals in the nearby area. This can interrupt the communication between devices and can lead to data droppings.

4. Low Priority

Personal Area Network is not considered for more applications such As wired area networks and wireless area networks. The priority for any network depends upon the distance between devices connected. As personal area network works only for devices connected within less network it is considered as low priority among other networks.

5. Detection is difficult

In personal area network it is difficult to determine the size of devices. The flow of data rate and transmission of data is difficult to determine in personal area networks. Determining the overall size of the network is a difficult task in personal area networks.

6. Health-related issues

Personal Area Network is a wireless network. Due to the radiation harmful rays are emitted. These signals are harmful to humans, animals, and birds. These radiations can cause various brain-related issues and heart-related diseases.

FAQs on Personal Area Network

Q.1: What are the applications of Personal Area Networks?

Answer:

Personal Area Network is used in various places such as Homes and offices, Hospitals, Educational institutions, and business organizations.

Q.2: What is meant by Bluetooth Personal Area Network?

Answer:

Bluetooth Personal Area Network is defined as a technology that creates a wireless network between devices such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets and is connected with each other with the help of Bluetooth.

Q.3: What are different types of Personal Area Networks?

Answer:

There are two different types of Personal Area Networks. They are:

1. Wireless PAN: Wireless PAN network is a type of network where devices are connected with the help of signals such as Bluetooth, infrared, etc.

2. Wired PAN: Wired PAN network is a type of network where devices are connected with the help of wires and cables.

Q.4: What is the range of maximum distance for a PAN network?

Answer:

In Personal Area Network the devices within the range of 10 metres (33 feet) are connected to the network.