The Infrared Data Association (IrDA) defines physical specifications and communications protocol standards for the short range exchange of data over infrared light, for uses such as personal area networks (PANs).
- IrDA is a very short-range example of free-space optical communication.
- IrDA interfaces are used in palmtop computers and mobile phones.
- IrDA protocols include IrLAP, IrLMP, IrIAS, IrIAP, IrLPT, IrCOMM, IrOBEX, and IrLAN. IrDA has now produced another standard, IrFM, for Infrared financial messaging also known as "Point & Pay".