Improving Wireless Networks

FOE writes "Picked up this story from Eurekalert. Describes disco-ball like reflector to help IR networks. I really like the name: "chaos mirror" (grin). " Fairly straight-forward device: Takes the incoming beam and spreads it out over a wider range - but it's all IrDA, which has terrible range. I'll keep my ZoomAir, thanks.

Comments

Ugh...will IR ever die?

[JoeShmoe]

Line-of-sight technology has no business in this increasingly-networked world. This disco ball idea is nothing more than a kludge to try to work around IR's primary limitation.

Sure, IR was great when all you needed it to do was change channels on your TV set. But now you have two or three TV sets with VCRs and stereo components and every damn one (except Bose) uses the same crappy line-of-sight IR technology.

This idea, honestly, is nothing new. I'm only sorry I didn't patent it. For years I've been using mylar loops to accomplish the same results. Just goto a novelty supply store and pick up a roll of mylar film (its basically plastic with a mirror surface). Cut strips of this stuff and put it in corners around your house. Also try to put mylar on any surfaces surrounding the IR receiver.

By aiming my IR remote at the right corner, I can actually control my VCR or cable box from other rooms and even down a flight of stairs. But it's still a kludge.

I wish the FCC would open up more of the lower ranges for consumer use so that cheap RF remotes could finally be implemented. Apple, get your AirPort to work with a PCI or PC Card interface, puh-leeze!

Remember...IR is (in the most basic sense) heat...so IR networking is just a NIC having hot flashes. The technology is tired and I sure hope that it's not still around in ten years.

My $1.00 - $0.98 not necessarily yours...

- JoeShmoe

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