Thomas Kunz
Systems and Computer Engineering
5
Infrared vs. Radio Transmission
nInfrared
–uses IR
diodes, diffuse light, multiple
reflections (walls, furniture
etc.)
nAdvantages
–simple,
cheap, available in many mobile
devices
–no licenses
needed
–simple
shielding possible
nDisadvantages
–interference
by sunlight, heat sources
etc.
–many things
shield or absorb IR light
–low
bandwidth
nExample
–IrDA
(Infrared Data Association) interface
available everywhere
nRadio
–typically
using the license free ISM
band at 2.4 GHz
nAdvantages
–experience
from wireless WAN and mobile
phones can be used
–coverage of
larger areas possible (radio can
penetrate walls, furniture
etc.)
nDisadvantages
–very
limited license free frequency bands
–shielding
more difficult, interference
with other electrical devices
nExample
–WaveLAN,
HIPERLAN, Bluetooth