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Q: What is an IrDA infrared data connection?
A cordless data connection using infrared light. It is a low-cost transceiver signalling technology
for two way data exchange. It provides high-speed digital exchange through the typical PC
UART/serial port at 9600-115200 bits/s, and in some units compatible high-speed extensions up
to 1Mb/s and 4Mb/s speeds.
Q: What are the distance limitations for IrDA-compliant infrared connections?
Although the IrDA standard only specifies a connection from zero to one metre, many IrDA-
compliant products can connect at distances greater than this.
Q: What is IrDA?
The initials IrDA stand for the Infrared Data Association. The IrDA is a non-profit trade
association with a membership of over 160 companies representing computer and
telecommunications hardware, software, components and adaptors.
Q: What is the difference between diffuse infrared, directed infrared, and radio
frequency?
Diffuse infrared allows many-to-many connections, does not require direct line of sight and can be
uni- or bi-directional. Since it is based on visible light, it is a secure form within a room. Financial
trading floors are an example of diffuse infrared.
Direct infrared is point-to-point, typically one-to-one communications, is not subject to
regulations, requires line of sight and is a secure form of data transmission and reception. IrDA is
an example of directed infrared.
Radio frequency is not secure in that it can penetrate walls, is subject to uncontrolled interference,
is typically higher in power than directed infrared and requires FCC certification.
Q: How secure is infrared?
Very secure. Using infrared connection to access the LAN is as secure as using a cable at any other
access point on the network. You need to be an authorized user on the subnet.
Q: How reliable is infrared?
Often more reliable than wired solutions. When was the last time your TV remote control broke?
In fact, we believe that the IR port will prove more reliable than wired connections because we
will have eliminated wear-and-tear. No pins to bend, no plugs to jam.
Q: Does the length of the infrared connection affect the speed of the network?I.e., if the
portable is farther away from the network access point, will the connection be slower?
To be IrDA-compliant a product must be capable of maintaining a constant connection speed.
Q: What do FIR and SIR stand for?
FIR stands for Fast Infrared, which is the capability to transfer data up to 4Mbps. SIR stands for
Serial Infrared which is the capability to transfer data at 115Kbps.
Q: What is the maximum baud rate the MC 218 can handle?
115200 bps.
Q: Can I beam a file to another MC 218?
Yes! Just mark the file and send it by using infrared. Please note that that the infrared modems
must point towards each other.
Q: Can I beam a Contact or Calender entry to another MC 218?
You should be able to send any Contact or Calender entry to another palmtop that allows the
beaming of vCard or vCalendar objects over IrDA.
