Wireless Infrared

Q: Where is IR used for data communication?

Fig 2.0 2Mb IR PABX Link

Fig 3.0 10Mb Ethernet

Fig 4.0 4Mb Token Ring

Infrared technology is used because it is a cost competitive alternative to fixed cable type networks. It does not generally replace the fixed cable system but it bridge parts of the network that would otherwise be unbridgeable either due to cost or perhaps location/environmental considerations (e.g. a clean room where to introduce cabling from outside would jeopardise the cleanliness of the air in the room and thus the manufacturing environment). Infrared data links can be found connecting 2 PABX’s as shown in Fig 2.0 above or 2 bridges/hubs as shown in Fig 3.0 above. The link between the 2 communicating hardware devices is an IR Communications device as shown in Fig 5.0(a) below.

Fig 5.0 (a)

Fig 5.0 (b)

This device uses wireless optical infrared (IR) laser communication which links the

communicating devices by line-of-sight. This allows different networks in two or more separate buildings to be connected together. The highest performance laser communication links offer reliable networking performance up to 4 km (2.5 miles) at networking speed up to 155 Mbps due the advanced multi-beam laser communication technology. The device can act as both the receiver and transmitter.

Infrared technology is also used for many computer devices like the mouse, keyboard and speakers. The devices are thus made much more versatile and manoverable. The diagram below shows an IR keyboard.