• j4k3@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    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.

    • nothacking@discuss.tchncs.de
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      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
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      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
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      1 year ago

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