What connects devices over a short range, typically using Bluetooth technology?

A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) refers specifically to a network designed for short-range communication between devices, most commonly utilizing Bluetooth technology. This type of network allows various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and headphones, to connect and communicate with each other over distances typically up to about 10 meters. WPANs are ideal for personal connections and data sharing between devices in close proximity, which is the defining characteristic of this technology.

In contrast, a Local Area Network (LAN) usually covers a larger area and connects multiple devices, such as computers within a single building or campus, and often uses wired or higher-range wireless technologies. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides secure connections over the internet by encrypting data, making it suited for remote access rather than short-range device communication. Lastly, a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) connects devices over much larger distances, often utilizing cellular networks to provide internet access and data communication, which is also not aligned with the short-range focus of WPANs. Thus, the characteristics of WPAN align perfectly with the use of Bluetooth technology for short-range connectivity among devices.