IrDA IrLAP protocol performance and optimum link layer parameters for maximum throughput

Infrared ports are employed in a wide variety of devices ranging from personal computers and printers to mobile phones. Infrared connectivity complies to specifications defined by Infrared Data Association (IrDA). The performance of IrDA links may be measured at the IrLAP data link layer, which controls the IrDA hardware. A simple equation to calculate throughput from different link parameters is derived by calculating the average window transmission time. Throughput analysis results are presented that reveal the significance of link layer parameters, such as window and frame size, and physical layer parameters, such as minimum turn around time. Simple equations for the optimum values for window size and/or frame length are derived by differentiating the throughput equation. These values maximise throughput performance for different BER values. Simulation results indicate that optimum window and frame size implementation results in significant throughput increase even for high BER.