The Difference Between Bluetooth and IrDA

Devices such as cell phones utilize Bluetooth and IrDA technology.

Both Bluetooth and IrDA, which stands for Infrared Data Association, perform the same task, which is to transfer data wirelessly over relatively short distances. However, both technologies have their own qualities, creating important distinctions between the two.

Points of Operation

IrDA is a point-to-point mode of transfer, meaning that data can be transferred from one point to another. However, Bluetooth is a point-to-multipoint mode, meaning only one Bluetooth transmitter is needed to operate for multiple Bluetooth devices. IrDA requires one transmitter for each device.

Voice Transfer

IrDA doesn't transmit sound signals, though Bluetooth does. For this reason Bluetooth technology is often used in creating wireless headphones and cell phone headsets.

Which Direction?

As mentioned earlier, IrDA is point-to-point while Bluetooth is point-to-multipoint. Since Bluetooth is multi-directional, it can have trouble "pinpointing" which point it's trying to reach. However, IrDA has a straight line of sight and can reach its intended point without trouble.

References

• University of Tennessee: Bluetooth and IrDA