Infrared Data Association
The Infrared Data Association (IrDA) defines physical specifications and communications protocol standards for the short range exchange of data over infrared light, for uses such as personal area networks (PANs).
- IrDA is a very short-range example of free-space optical communication.
- IrDA interfaces are used in palmtop computers and mobile phones.
- IrDA protocols include IrLAP, IrLMP, IrIAS, IrIAP, IrLPT, IrCOMM, IrOBEX, and IrLAN. IrDA has now produced another standard, IrFM, for Infrared financial messaging also known as "Point & Pay".