(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Bluetooth devices create what type of networks?

1. Personal Area Networks (PANs)

2. Wide Area Networks (WANs)

3. Mobile Area Networks (MANs)

4. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)

The correct answer is: Personal Area Networks (PANs)

Bluetooth devices create Personal Area Networks (PANs). This type of network is specifically designed for communication over short distances, typically within a range of about 10 meters (33 feet). PANs are ideal for connecting devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other peripherals like headphones and fitness trackers, allowing them to communicate with one another without wires. The nature of PANs is that they focus on a limited geographical area, which aligns perfectly with Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth is tailored for low-power consumption and short-range connectivity, making it highly suitable for personal device communication. The data transfer rates, connection setup times, and the simplicity of pairing devices via Bluetooth further reinforce its role in forming PANs. Other types of networks mentioned, such as Wide Area Networks (WANs), Mobile Area Networks (MANs), and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), serve very different functions. WANs cover large geographical areas, which is not the case for Bluetooth, while MANs are designed for city-wide connectivity, and WLANs typically cover a broader area than a PAN, such as a home or office. Therefore, while all these network types exist, Bluetooth's characteristics distinctly categorize it as enabling Personal Area Networks.