Infrared transmission uses infrared light-emitting diodes to transmit data over short ranges using line-of-sight propagation. It has advantages of simple circuits, low cost, low power consumption and no licensing but has disadvantages of short range and blockage by common materials. Radio transmission modulates electromagnetic waves below visible light for uses like audio, video, navigation and data over larger areas but requires licensing and has difficulties with interference and shielding.
2. Infrared TransmissionInfrared (IR) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red lightEmployed in short-range communication among computer peripherals and personal digital assistants and electronic devices
4. Receiver uses a silicon photodiode to convert the infrared radiation to an electric current
5. Responds only to the rapidly pulsing signal created by the transmitter, and filters out slowly changing infrared radiation from ambient lightPropagation
8. DisadvantagesWorks ONLY on Line-of-Sight (LOS) ModeShort RangeBlocked by common materials: people, walls, etcLow bandwidthSpeed is comparatively slow
10. Radio TransmissionRadio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light
11. PropagationRadio waves travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of spaceInformation is carried by systematically changing (modulating) some property of the radiated waves, such as amplitude, frequency, phase, or pulse width
14. DisadvantagesLimited number of free frequency bandsShielding is difficultInterference with other electrical devicesGreater Power ConsumptionLimited Spectrum of Frequency