While the term "infrared WIFI" isn't a standard technical designation, it likely refers to the use of infrared wireless communication for data transfer, distinct from the radio waves used by conventional WIFI.
Infrared wireless communication is a communication technology that uses infrared light waves to transmit data wirelessly between devices. This technology relies on line-of-sight connectivity, meaning transmitters and receivers must be within each other's visible range to establish a connection. (Reference: 20-Dec-2023)
Understanding Infrared Wireless
Unlike standard WIFI, which utilizes radio frequency bands (like 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) to send data through walls and around obstacles, infrared requires a clear, unobstructed path between the devices. Think of how a TV remote control works – you need to point it directly at the television sensor. That's a common example of infrared communication in action.
Key Characteristics
Here's a quick look at the defining features of infrared wireless:
- Medium: Infrared light waves
- Range: Typically short-range (a few meters)
- Connectivity: Requires line-of-sight
- Interference: Susceptible to sunlight and other strong light sources
- Security: Generally more secure in a confined space as signals don't penetrate walls
Infrared vs. Standard WIFI
Let's compare infrared wireless with the WIFI technology we commonly use for internet access:
| Feature | Infrared Wireless | Standard WIFI (Radio Waves) |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Infrared Light | Radio Waves |
| Line-of-Sight | Required | Not Required |
| Range | Short (meters) | Medium to Long (tens/hundreds of meters) |
| Obstacles | Blocked by walls/objects | Penetrates walls/objects |
| Typical Use | Remote controls, short-range data links | Internet access, networking |
| Speed | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
Why Infrared Isn't Used for General Networking Like WIFI
Given its characteristics, infrared wireless is not suitable for building a typical home or office network like WIFI because:
- Line-of-Sight Limitation: Devices would need to be constantly visible to the access point, which is impractical for mobile devices and devices in different rooms.
- Limited Range: The short range means many access points would be needed, and coverage would be spotty.
- Interference: Bright lights, especially sunlight, can interfere with infrared signals, disrupting the connection.
- Lower Bandwidth: Compared to modern WIFI standards, historical infrared data transfer technologies (like IrDA) offered much lower speeds.
Practical Examples of Infrared Communication
While not used for general internet connectivity like WIFI, infrared technology is prevalent in many everyday devices:
- Television and audio system remote controls
- Older mobile phones or PDAs for short-range file transfer (IrDA standard, largely replaced by Bluetooth or NFC)
- Some sensors and detectors
- Short-range industrial automation
In summary, "infrared WIFI" isn't a recognized technology; the term likely refers to infrared wireless communication, a technology that uses light waves for short-range, line-of-sight data transmission, fundamentally different from the radio wave-based wireless networking known as WIFI.
