Home Networking Guide : Direct Connection - Wireless Solutions - using IrDA

Figure: IrDA. Two IrDA adapters in a LOS position.

Two computers also can communicate using infrared. The communication follows IrDA standard. Most notebooks come with built-in IrDA transceiver (adapter). Meanwhile most desktop PCs don't have an integrated IrDA transceiver. If your desktop supports IrDA you can use an external IrDA adapter that is usually connected to a USB port. Check your desktop PC documentation to see whether it has an IrDA port and open the BIOS setup to see whether it is enabled or disabled.

Don't forget, communication using IrDA requires both IrDA adapters are in a line-of-sight (LOS) position and short distance (typically less than 1 meter). IrDA supports data transfer rate of up to 115 kbps (SIR), 4 Mbps (FIR), and 16 Mbps (VFIR). Check your IrDA adapter specification to see which rate it supports.

To setup an infrared direct connection in Windows XP, you can start with the New Connection Wizard. See this page for step-by-step instructions.

Next (page 4): direct connection using Wi-Fi.