What Is Infrared Networking and How Does It Work? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 67 67 people found this article helpful

What Is Infrared Networking and How Does It Work?

IR technology preceded Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for transferring files

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 22, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless Using an infrared (IR) connection, computers equipped with an IR sensor could transfer files and other digital data over short-range wireless signals. This IR technology was similar to that used in consumer-oriented TV remote control units but the much faster and far more versatile Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have since replaced it.

Installation and Usage

Computer infrared network adapters both transmit and receive data through ports on the rear or side of a device. Many laptops and personal hand-held devices had infrared adapters installed. In Microsoft Windows, infrared connections used the same method as other local area network connections. Infrared networks supported direct two-computer connections only, created temporarily as the need arose. Extensions to infrared technology, however, supported more than two computers and semi-permanent networks.

IR Range

Infrared communications span only short distances. When networking two infrared devices, they must be within a few feet of each other. Unlike Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, infrared network signals cannot penetrate walls or other obstructions and work only within a direct line of sight. Anything that blocks that direct line between two IR devices also blocks IR communication.

Performance

Infrared technology used in local networks exists in three forms that the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) recognizes: IrDA-SIR: Slow-speed infrared that supports data rates up to 115 Kbps.IrDA-MIR: Medium-speed infrared that supports data rates up to 1.15 Mbps.IrDA-FIR: High-speed infrared that supports data rates up to 4 Mbps.

Other Uses for Infrared Technology

Although IR no longer plays a role in transferring files from one computer to another, it is still a valuable technology in other fields. Among them are: Night vision: Infrared amplifies light in low-light situations.Art history: researchers use IR technology to peek through layers of paint on works of art to see what lies beneath.Heating: Infrared generates and conducts heat, so it's popular in saunas, restaurant food-warming stations, and cooking appliances such as grills.Thermography: IR technology determines the relative temperature of objects.Weather forecasting: weather satellites use IR technology to determine temperature and cloud formations. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Transfer Files Between an iPhone and a Mac Ethernet Cables, How They Work and How to Choose the Right One How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network What Is an IR Remote Control? How to Fix It When Your Fire Stick Remote Is Not Working What Is the iPad Air and How Does it Compare? How Far Does the Apple Watch Reach? What is CDMA and How Does it Work? When and How to Turn Off Wi-Fi on Your Devices The Nintendo Switch Camera: Where Is It and How Does It Work? What Is FireWire and How Does it Work? How to Use Bluetooth to Transfer Files Between Devices What Is HSPA and HSPA+ on 3G Cellphones What Is Bluetooth? The Ultimate Guide Wireless Standards Explained: 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n Wireless FAQ - What Is 802.11? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies