Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology uses radio waves to automatically identify physical objects (either living beings or inanimate items). Therefore, the range of objects identifiable using RFID includes virtually everything on this planet (and beyond). Thus, RFID is an example of automatic identification (Auto-ID) technology by which a physical object can be identified automatically. Other examples of Auto-ID include bar code, biometric (for example, using fingerprint and retina scan), voice identification, and optical character recognition (OCR) systems.

There are generally two types of RFID tags: active RFID tags, which contain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously, and passive RFID tags, which have no battery and require an external source to provoke signal transmission.

A radio device called a tag is attached to the object that needs to be identified. Unique identification data about this tagged object is stored on this tag. When such a tagged object is presented in front of a suitable RFID reader, the tag transmits this data to the reader (via the reader antenna). The reader then reads the data and has the capability to forward it over suitable communication channels, such as a network or a serial connection, to a software application running on a computer. This application can then use this unique data to identify the object presented to the reader. It can then perform a variety of actions such as updating the location information of this object in the database, sending an alert to the floor personnel, or completely ignoring it (if a duplicate read, for example). RFID is also a data-collection technology. However, this technology has some unique characteristics that enable users to apply it in areas beyond the reach of traditional data-collection technologies, such as bar codes.

Replacing barcodes

RFID tags are often a replacement for UPC or EAN barcodes, having a number of important advantages over the older barcode technology. They may not ever completely replace barcodes, due in part to their higher cost and the advantage of multiple data sources on the same object. The new EPC, along with several other schemes, is widely available at reasonable cost. The storage of data associated with tracking items will require many terabytes. Filtering and categorizing RFID data is needed to create useful information. It is likely that goods will be tracked by the pallet using RFID tags and at package level with Universal Product Code (UPC) or EAN from unique barcodes.

The unique identity is a mandatory requirement for RFID tags, despite special choice of the numbering scheme. RFID tag data capacity is large enough that each individual tag will have a unique code, while current bar codes are limited to a single type code for a particular product. The uniqueness of RFID tags means that a product may be tracked as it moves from location to location, finally ending up in the consumer’s hands. This may help to combat theft and other forms of product loss. The tracing of products is an important feature that gets well supported with RFID tags containing a unique identity of the tag and also the serial number of the object. This may help companies to cope with quality deficiencies and resulting recall campaigns, but also contributes to concern about tracking and profiling of consumers after the sale.

It has also been proposed to use RFID for POS store checkout to replace the cashier with an automatic system which needs no barcode scanning. This is not likely without a significant reduction in the cost of tags and changes in the POS process. There is some research taking place, however, this is some years from reaching fruition.

An RFID application is implemented by an RFID system, which constitutes the entire technology end-to-end. RFID can be used in a variety of applications such as:

Application requirements

RFID is emerging as a complementary technology to help overcome some of the drawbacks associated with bar code technology. Barcodes have one significant downfall they require line-of-sight technology. That means the scanner has to see the barcode to read it, which usually means items have to be manually oriented toward the scanner for it to be read. Conversely, RFID does not require line-of-sight and can be read as long as the item is within range of the reader.

RFID tags are simple, low-cost and disposable and are being used to identify animals, track goods logistically and replace printed bar codes at retailers. RFID tags include a chip that typically stores a static number (an ID) and an antenna that enables the chip to transmit the stored number to a reader via electromagnetic waves. When the tag comes within range of the appropriate RF reader, the tag is powered by the reader's RF field and transmits its ID to the reader.

RFID middleware provides the interface for communication between the interrogator and existing company databases and information management systems.

Security concerns

One of the biggest objections to RFID is the lack of security. There is little to no security on the RFID tag or during communication with the reader. Any reader using the appropriate RF signal can get the RFID tag to communicate its contents.

Typical RFID tags can be easily read from distances of several inches (centimetres) to several yards (meters) to allow easy tracking of goods. RFID tags have common characteristics, including: low cost, high volume manufacturing to minimize investment required in implementation and minimal security, with tags able to be read by any compatible reader. In addition, disposable or one-time use, minimal data storage comparable to bar code, usually a fixed format written once when the tag is manufactured and finally, read range optimized to increase speed and utility.

There is a still a suspicious view of RFID held by many in the industry, the thinking that RFID technology is a 'spy chip' technology. The term 'spy chip' is self- explanatory and the issue of lack of privacy rears its head. However, there are security measures being put in place to tackle the issue of privacy. Both EPC global and AIM Global, the trade association representing RFID manufacturers, have issued policy statements on RFID and privacy. AIM's policy states: "AIM Global believes that policies and procedures should be put into place to ensure consumer rights, for example, the right to know whether products contain RFID tags, the right to have RFID tags removed or deactivated when they purchase products, the right to opt out of RFID- enabled services, the right to access an RFID's tag's stored data and finally the right to know when, where and why the tags are being read".

The benefits of RFID

For sports events, concerts, and other leisure activities, RFID systems streamline ticket issue and validation. They also serve to minimize losses from ticket fraud. Tickets can be created on demand with RFID-enabled bar code printers; RFID card transponders can be issued to individual customers and enabled for specific time periods; and tickets can be read remotely to increase throughput at entrances and gates.

A hands-free access system for ski lifts based on RFID is used at many ski resorts in Europe. This allows for improved customer service, more efficient operations, increased sales and higher throughput of customers. Remote-operated gates detect a valid ski pass, embedded with a Tag-it read/write transponder, and open automatically. The credit-card sized ski pass fits into a jacket pocket and never has to be removed, giving skiers the freedom to enjoy hassle free skiing.

RFID in e-commerce

RFID is now being considered as an integral link in e-commerce environments. The technology enhances and complements Electronic Data Interchanges (EDIs) to facilitate quick response and the generation of exception reports. This should allow real time information to be transmitted to partners within the supply chain supporting the decision-making process. Ultimately RFID could provide immediacy of data right down to individual item level identification. This can help bridge the gap between the customer, the order and order fulfillment process to the satisfaction of the customer. This means essentially that it can enable the enhanced responsiveness expected within an E-Business environment.

The SPAN port mirrors traffic from one or more source interfaces on any VLAN, or from one or more VLANs to a destination port for analysis. The network analyzer attaches to the SPAN port and examines the traffic as it passes through the switch. The network analyzer enables you to dig into the details of your network traffic. For SPAN configuration, the source interfaces and the destination interface must be on the same switch.

SPAN does not affect the switching of network traffic on source interfaces; copies of the frames received or transmitted by the source interfaces are sent to the destination interface.

Cold Fusion provides a number of additional features out of the box. Among them:

Microsoft intends that software publishers list WEI scores to specify hardware requirements instead of specific technical parameters (such as "256MB of RAM or more"). Microsoft also intends that hardware manufacturers publish the WEI scores of their computers. However, very few software or hardware vendors have done so to date. The WEI is also available to applications through an API, so they can configure themselves as a function of hardware performance, taking advantage of its capabilities without becoming unacceptably slow.

The current version of Windows Vista (Build 6001) version of WinSAT performs the following tests:

While running, the tests show only a progress bar and a "working" background animation. Aero Glass is deactivated while the tests are running so that it will not confound the measurements.