Optical power distribution in wireless infrared LANs

The problem of optical power distribution in a wireless, in-room, local-area network based on IR technology is studied. The distribution of optical power in an office room or shop floor environment produced by a grid of light sources is examined. The influence in the uniformity of power distribution of factors, such as radiant intensity, pattern of the light sources and number of transmitters is studied. The optimum number of transmitters is calculated as a function of the room size. The data presented could be useful to the designer of an in-room IR communication system.