The Infrared Data Association (IrDA) is an industry-driven interest group that was founded in 1994[1] by around 50 companies.

The main reason for using the IrDA protocols had been wireless data transfer over the "last one meter" using point-and-shoot principles.

The main characteristics of this kind of wireless optical communication are physically secure data transfer, line-of-sight (LOS) and very low bit error rate (BER) that makes it very efficient.

It comprises optical link definitions, modulation, coding, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and the framer.

Combined with a low bit error rate of generally <10−9, that communication could be very efficient compared to other wireless solutions.

IrDA transceivers communicate with infrared pulses (samples) in a cone that extends at least 15 degrees half angle off center.

The IrDA physical specifications require the lower and upper limits of irradiance such that a signal is visible up to one meter away, but a receiver is not overwhelmed with brightness when a device comes close.

IrSimple achieves at least four to ten times faster data transmission speeds by improving the efficiency of the infrared IrDA protocol.

[5][6] However, it has been displaced by other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth,[7] and Wi-Fi, favored because they don't need a direct line of sight and can therefore support hardware like mice and keyboards.

An attempt was made to revive IrDA around 2005[8] with IrSimple protocols by providing sub-1-second transfers of pictures between cell phones, printers, and display devices.

IrDA hardware was still less expensive and didn't share the same security problems encountered with wireless technologies such as Bluetooth.