Infra Red

Besides wireless applications based on WLAN and Bluetooth technologies communication via in-frared radiation has been around for some time. Infrared is light with wavelengths between 7.8x10^-7 and 10^-3 m corresponding to a frequency range of 3x10¹¹ Hz up to 4x10¹⁴ Hz. One advantage of in-frared radiation is its relatively low level of harmfulness and susceptibility against electrical inter-ference. A disadvantage is its small reach.

For infrared communication standards have been developed which are oriented to possible applica-tions. In this chapter these standards are presented with regard to their architecture including trans-mission protocols. Thereafter possible applications are considered and potential risks discussed. A small checklist at the end of this section lists key points to be observed when choosing and imple-menting infrared communication.