The Future of Personal Area Networks in a Ubiquitous Computing World

In the future world of ubiquitous computing, wireless devices will be everywhere. Personal area networks (PANs) will enable communications between devices both embedded in the environment and mobile on vehicles and persons. This research determines the future prospects of PANs by examining criteria that will lead to success and barriers to implementation. An initial set of issues in each of these areas is identified from the literature. The Delphi Method is used to determine what experts believe what are the most important success criteria and barriers. Critical success factors that will determine the future of personal area networks include reliability of connections, interoperability, and usability. Important barriers that may inhibit the deployment of PAN are security, interference and coexistence, and regulation and standards.