An electronic device includes a data processor and data communication mechanism for: (a) transmitting, via an optical link, configuration and authentication requests/information for a second data communication link to an external device; and (b) transmitting other content data via the separate, second data communication link that is configured using the configuration data transmitted on the optical link. Data communication on the optical link is provided via modulated optical pulses from an illumination light source of the electronic device. The light source is selectively utilized for illuminating a component in the electronic device and for transmitting configuration/authentication data via optical pulses. An optical receiver also receives optically transmitted configuration/acknowledgement data from the external device.