Mary has recommended using an infrared wireless network for the new clinical informati system. This system will allow the hospital and physicians to communicate no matter where physician's office is located. You tell Mary that that this is not feasible because

Infrared (IR) is a wireless technology that transmits data via light waves. Its primary and most significant limitation is the requirement for a direct, unobstructed line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver. IR signals cannot penetrate solid objects such as walls, buildings, or other physical obstructions. Therefore, using an IR network to connect a hospital with various physician offices in different locations is not feasible, as a clear line of sight between all points would be impossible to establish and maintain.

A. While IR bandwidth is generally lower than modern alternatives, the fundamental reason for its infeasibility in this scenario is the physical limitation of line-of-sight, not bandwidth.
B. The effective range of most IR data communication systems is significantly less than 200 feet, often under 30 feet. However, the core issue remains the line-of-sight requirement, not a specific distance.
C. This statement is factually incorrect. Infrared is a well-established type of wireless communication technology, commonly used in devices like remote controls and for short-range data transfer.

1. Sayles, N. B., & Trawick, M. F. (2021). Health Information Management Technology: An Applied Approach (6th ed.). AHIMA Press. In Chapter 10, "Data and Communication," the text discusses wireless connections, stating, "Infrared is a type of wireless connection that uses infrared light to transmit data... The disadvantage of infrared is that the devices must be in a close proximity and have a clear line of sight" (p. 289).

2. Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 7, "Wireless and Mobile Networks," the principles of different wireless media are discussed. The text explains that infrared light, used in some wireless systems, is unable to pass through opaque objects, reinforcing the line-of-sight limitation (Section 7.1).

3. Johns, M. L. (2015). Health Information Management Technology: An Applied Approach (4th ed.). AHIMA Press. Chapter 9, "Health Care Information Systems," describes various network technologies. When discussing wireless technologies, it notes that infrared requires a clear path between communicating devices, making it unsuitable for applications where obstructions are present.