this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2023
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[–] j4k3@lemmy.world 28 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (4 children)

Within the same room, it is possible to use a frequency of light that will reflect off of almost anything. I just got a window AC unit with a remote that defies physics. Like I can have a desk, and closed plantation shutters (slats and doors) in front of the receiver on the front of the unit, point the remote anywhere in the wrong direction and still activate the thing. It's just an IR LED transmitter setup. I've never seen one that is quite this powerful. It is uber cheapo general electric bottom of the consumer grade junk category too.

This is the NSA's wet dream tech. Anyone with line of sight could intercept the data stream.

[–] agitatedpotato@lemmy.world 14 points 1 year ago

Imagine trying to communicate with your squad but the NSA has a mirror up inbetween the relays

[–] nothacking@discuss.tchncs.de 13 points 1 year ago

For low datarates sure, but at high speeds the dispersion caused by light taking multiple paths will be unacceptable. The reason single node fiber is so thin is to make sure light can only travel along one path. If you want multi gigabit speeds, you will need a direct line of sight.

[–] redcalcium@c.calciumlabs.com 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I put my smart IR blaster behind my tv and it still works. It can even reaches the AC unit in my room if the door is open.

[–] Crackhappy@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I have a remote for a TV that does the same thing. Can point any direction and it works.

[–] Engywuck@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Because it works through Blutooth.

[–] Crackhappy@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Nah. If I cover the IR emitter, it doesn't work.

[–] Engywuck@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago

Ah, ok. I had misunderstood you at first. Now I get what you meant.