Which term refers to a network scope that uses close-range wireless technologies to establish communications between personal devices such as smartphones and printers?

Which term refers to a network scope that uses close-range wireless technologies to establish communications between personal devices such as smartphones and printers?

• A. Global Positioning System (GPS)
• B. Personal area networks (PANs)
• C. Ad hoc network
• D. TLS

Answer: (B)

A short-range, personal device communication space is what’s being described. Personal area networks are designed for close-proximity connections among individual devices—like a smartphone pairing with a printer or a headset—using technologies such as Bluetooth or NFC. This narrow scope around the person makes it easy to share data and resources with nearby devices while keeping interactions local and manageable. GPS isn’t about networking between devices; it’s a location-tracking system. TLS is a security protocol used to protect data in transit, not a description of how devices connect. An ad hoc network refers to a flexible, spontaneous topology that can exist at varying ranges and isn’t specifically defined by the “personal, close-range” scope. Because the question emphasizes the close-range, personal-device connectivity, the term that fits best is personal area networks.

A short-range, personal device communication space is what’s being described. Personal area networks are designed for close-proximity connections among individual devices—like a smartphone pairing with a printer or a headset—using technologies such as Bluetooth or NFC. This narrow scope around the person makes it easy to share data and resources with nearby devices while keeping interactions local and manageable.

GPS isn’t about networking between devices; it’s a location-tracking system. TLS is a security protocol used to protect data in transit, not a description of how devices connect. An ad hoc network refers to a flexible, spontaneous topology that can exist at varying ranges and isn’t specifically defined by the “personal, close-range” scope. Because the question emphasizes the close-range, personal-device connectivity, the term that fits best is personal area networks.