Infrared Wireless Networking

Infrared has been around for a long time; perhaps our first experience with it was the TV remote. The command entered onto the remote control travels over an infrared light wave to the receiver on the TV. Infrared technology has progressed, and today infrared development in networking is managed by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA).

IrDA wireless networking uses infrared beams to send data transmissions between devices. Infrared wireless networking offers higher transmission rates reaching 10Mbps to 16Mbps.

Infrared provides a secure, low-cost, convenient cable replacement technology. It is well suited for many specific applications and environments. Some of the key infrared points are included here:

• Infrared provides adequate speeds, up to 16Mbps.

• A directed infrared system provides a very limited range of approximately 3 feet and typically is used for a PAN.

• Infrared devices use less power and a decreased drain on batteries.

• Infrared is a secure medium. Infrared signals typically travel short range between devices, which eliminates the problem of eavesdropping or signal tampering.

• Infrared is a proven technology. Infrared devices have been available for quite some time and, as such, are a proven, non-proprietary technology with an established user and support base.

• Infrared has no radio frequency interference issues or signal conflicts.

• Infrared replaces cables for many devices such as keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.

• Infrared uses a dispersed mode or a direct line of sight transmission.

Infrared is designed for point-to-point cable replacement.