ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the issues and challenges faced when designing an optical wireless network. It describes the existing forms of infrared networks — network architecture. The chapter reviews the current standards and specifications for infrared networking, IEEE 802.11 and Infrared Data Association dvanced Infrared protocols. It discusses several technology aspects on mobile ad hoc networking, in which infrared communication seems to have a promising future. The chapter presents a forecast of the future infrared network. Ad hoc wireless networks without infrastructure are highly appealing for many applications due to their flexibility and robustness, which explains why they have become increasingly popular in recent years. The aim of the IEEE 802.11 standard is to enable a mobile host to communicate with any other mobile or wired host in a transparent manner. Infrared offers a flexible, secure, and economic option for short-range wireless communications. Infrared is a very promising technology for the future wireless network.
