Which network typically connects personal devices over a very short distance?

The correct answer focuses on the specific characteristics of personal area networks (PANs), which are designed to connect personal devices over a very short distance, typically within a range of a few meters. This type of network is often used for connecting devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable technology like smartwatches, allowing them to communicate and share data without the need for a broader network infrastructure.

A PAN commonly employs wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or infrared to facilitate these connections, making it convenient for users to interact with multiple personal devices in close proximity without the need for cables or complex setups.

While WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) and LANs (Local Area Networks) serve to connect devices over larger areas, such as offices or homes, they are not limited to the very short range characteristic of a PAN. VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) are used to segment networks within the same physical network to improve performance and security but do not define the physical distance between devices. Hence, the distinction of purpose and range reinforces why a PAN is the correct choice for connecting personal devices over short distances.