Establish an infrared link

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To establish an infrared link

Verify that the devices that you want to communicate over an infrared link have infrared functionality enabled and work correctly.

For information about verifying infrared functionality on your computer, see Related Topics. For information about verifying infrared functionality on other devices, see the device manufacturer's documentation.

Align your devices so that the infrared transceivers are within 1 meter (approximately 40 inches) of each other, and the transceivers are pointing at each other.
When the devices are correctly aligned, the icon appears on the taskbar.

Important

To enhance security, align infrared devices so that the infrared transceivers are between 0.1 meter (approximately 4 inches) and 0.5 meter (approximately 20 inches) apart whenever you establish an infrared link between two devices. Although there can be up to 1 meter (approximately 40 inches) between infrared transceivers without a loss in data transfer capability, if you place the transceivers closer to each other, you minimize the risk of interference from an attacker. To further enhance security, ensure that all infrared devices and data sources are trustworthy, and, if you are transferring infrared data with another person, conduct the transfer in a private location whenever possible. For more information about infrared security considerations, see Related Topics.

Notes

Performing this task does not require you to have administrative credentials. Therefore, as a security best practice, consider performing this task as a user without administrative credentials.
In the Windows Server 2003 family, only Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, supports infrared networking.
The infrared transceiver is the small, dark red window on your portable computer, printer, digital camera, adapter, or other device.
You can choose whether to hide or display the Wireless Link taskbar icon when two infrared devices are aligned. By default, the Wireless Link taskbar icon is displayed. For more information, see Related Topics.

Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.