What is a WPAN network?
WPAN or Wireless PAN (Wireless Personal Areal Network) is a personal network that covers a limited space radius between ten and thirty meters depending on the capacity of the devices used for its connection. They can be connected by computers, cell phones, printers and cameras.
The connection between their devices is wireless and the most popular type of connection known is Bluetooth, which replaced infrared technology a few years ago. WPANs are often used in devices that are in the same room due to their small range.
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What are WPAN networks used for?
As the name suggests, it is a personal type network, it serves for connect personal devices such as a mobile phone, tablet or computer. Its connection is wireless, but limited by a short distance. Data can be shared over the network as long as the devices are within the minimum distance range.
Types of WPAN networks
There are several types of technologies that can be used for interconnect multiple devices on a WPAN network. They are characterized by the fact that a wired connection is not required to share information.
Bluetooth
It is the most used and best known standard. Most, if not all, of today's devices have built-in Bluetooth technology. can share almost any kind of information, from images, videos, audio or files.
To establish a connection, the devices must be relatively close together. Over the years this technology has had a positive evolution and is becoming more and more stable.
Bluetooth also allows you to connect devices such as remote controls, headsets, mice and keyboards. It also works as a communication channel for a mobile phone to access the Internet via Bluetooth via another phone. New versions should identify the location of devices connected to the same network.
Zigbee
It is a type of technology that exists as an alternative to Bluetooth and works in a 2,4Ghz frequency band . The download speed is slower than with Bluetooth, but instead offers greater range for connecting between devices. It is usually used in connecting household appliances and some toys.
Infrared
It is one of the first forays into WPAN networks. It is currently little used, but those who remember it know how tedious it was to send a file from one mobile to another and as long as it takes. Transmission occurs directly, so i devices must remain close together and in the same position during data transmission.
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Create a WPAN network
Only certain types of components are required to create a personal wireless network. Initially you need to have a device that functions as a transmitter, that's what initiates the broadcast. Then another device that functions as a receiver to receive the signal.
It is important to note that they must be connected by the same channel, referring to the type of technology used, whether it is Bluetooth, infrared or other. They do not need an additional wired connection, so their implementation is very economical.
disadvantages-of-wpan-networks">Advantages and disadvantages of WPAN networks
Benefit
- Portability. It is a wireless network that can be easily moved from one place to another.
- Safety. To access this network, you need to be in the same range, so accessing the data is more complicated. Some devices even require permission to connect to others and share information.
disadvantages
- Short range. Its use is limited to the range of the signal in a small space.
- Transfer speed. Although it has evolved over time, it still takes longer than other types of connections to send information from one device to another.
