Which technology is associated with establishing communication between devices over a short range?

The correct answer is Bluetooth, a widely used technology for establishing short-range communication between devices. Bluetooth operates within a range of about 10 meters (33 feet), making it ideal for applications such as connecting wireless headsets to smartphones, pairing devices like keyboards and mice, and facilitating data transfer between gadgets without the need for cables. Its versatility, low power consumption, and ease of use have contributed to its popularity for personal area networking.

While other options like Infrared Data (IrDA) and Near Field Communication (NFC) also facilitate short-range communications, they have more specific use cases or limitations in comparison to Bluetooth. Infrared is often reliant on line-of-sight and is less commonly used today, while NFC is designed for very short distances, typically just a few centimeters, making it best suited for payment systems and quick data transfers. Wi-Fi 6, on the other hand, is suited for broader wireless networking over larger distances and higher bandwidth, which does not meet the criteria for short-range communication in the same manner as Bluetooth does.