A method and apparatus for quickly forming a PAN is describe herein. During operation, a modulated vibration will be received that identifies that network formation is to take place. All devices detecting the vibration will be paired/associated to form a PAN. In one embodiment of the present invention a first device generates the vibration and the subset of available devices will form a PAN with the first device acting as a master device within the formed PAN. In another embodiment of the present invention, a piece of clothing (e.g., a vest) is equipped with a haptic module (vibrating circuitry) to generate the vibration. All pieces of equipment attached to the piece of clothing will receive the vibration and pair accordingly.