ARCHIVED: What is IrDA?

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IrDA is an acronym that stands for Infrared Data Association, a group of computer and device manufacturers that developed a standard for transmitting data via infrared light waves. Founded in 1993, IrDA is dedicated to developing standards for wireless, infrared transmission systems between computers.

Laptops, printers, and PDAs are the most common devices that come with IrDA ports. The IrDA port allows devices to transmit data or use a printer without any additional cables. For example, if both your laptop computer and your printer have IrDA ports, you can simply put the computer in front of the printer and print a document, without needing to connect the two with a cable. IrDA uses line-of-sight transmission like that used by a TV remote control. IrDA products began to appear in 1995.

The IrDA port can run at speeds ranging from 115.2Kbps to 1.15Mbps and 4Mbps. The higher speeds are roughly the same transmission rates as traditional parallel ports. Devices using IrDA ports usually need to be within 10 feet of each other, and there must be a clear line of sight between them.

For additional information, visit the following URL:

  http://www.irda.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=14