802.11 IR

The IEEE developed the 802.11 IR wireless standard around the same time as 802.11. Rather than using radio waves, 802.11 IR uses ultrahigh frequency infrared light(beyond that which the human eye can see) to send data. 802.11 IR operates at the same speeds as the original 802.11 specifications.

No manufacturer that I know of has used this standard in consumer products. There are some IR networking devices that utilize proprietary standards that are close to 802.11 IR, however these exist in niche markets (industrial controllers, security systems, and some education networks).

If developed commercially, 802.11 IR could be useful in high-security networks. Because infrared light doesn’t go through walls, it is almost impossible to intercept or interfere with the signal from outside a facility (as opposed to radio waves, which propagate beyond a building’s walls where a third party can intercept them).