What I DO:
Consulting:
RFID Seminar
Radio Frequency Identification
by David N. Wilson
Major applications of RFID:
Doors, Gates: People are issued cards that give access to various locations controlled in a central database.
Cashless purchases (vending): People are issued card that give
access to various vending machines. When a purchase is made, it will be
recorded in a database that is either credit or debit, or both!
Retail operations (Wal-Mart): Items for purchase have label with
item-specific data so the when it passes through reader, it is logged
and billed to a customer ticket.
Other custom applications: Lunch rooms, Supply rooms, Equipment/tool check out/in, etc.... Michelin embeds RFID
devices in tires to track tire usage and retreading. It can also be
used to gather data and transmit the data to a reader.
Various methods of ID technology:
Barcode: Printed on a card or label. Scanned with
laser-reader and linked to database. We are all familiar with this
technology, now. It works very well, but we all know that the alignment
of the barcode and the reader must be proper in order to get a good
read.
Magnetic stripe: Usually on a card, this magnetic stripe contains
information about the user. Readers read it,
some can write back to it. If used for purchases, it usually contains
value, which when lost is a loss like losing actual cash. This
technology is typically used in campus vending systems and in video
game arcades.
RFID: Also known as a “proximity system,” only needs to be
close to a reader in order to exchange information. It can be used as a
strictly one-way data transfer where the RFID number on the card or
label simply gets logged to a central database. It also has the ability
to contain data, like a magnetic stripe, where a loss is a loss
of real cash value.
All 3 systems can all co-exist in a single system, even in a single card. This is not recommended, but possible when necessary.
Least secure: The card/label contains a number. The number is programmed from the factory and cannot be
changed. It must be linked to a central database in order to be useful.
Medium security: The card/label contains a pre-programmed number, as
above, but may also be written to on a one-time basis, or possibly
multiple times. The writing operation must occur at a centralized
location.
Maximum security: The card/label comes with a pre-programmed number,
but can also contains memory which may be written to by the devices
used to link the card's number to the central database. This allows for
immediate updates and rolling security codes. The read/write process
may occur whenever a card/label is in the proximity of a device capable
of doing so.
Frequencies of operation.
125KHz and 134.2KHz: Access, Logistics, Distribution.
13.56MHz: ISO 15693, Logistics Warehouse, Baggage, Parcel, Retail.
433MHz and 2.45GHz: Long range, Vehicle Tracking.
Packaging of readers and cards.
RFID can be embedded in plastic cards.
RFID can be manufactured in small, key-like devices.
RFID can be put into stick-on labels in retail (Wal-Mart is driving
this technology). Dennison Labels currently offers RFID labels for
retail use.
Readers can be hand-held or mounted.
Various reader interfaces are available: USB, Serial, Wiegand, etc....
Long vs short range systems.
Short range: Most systems are short range proximity
devices. This means that the RFID and that reader must be very close
(Within 6 inches, or so) in order to communicate. This close proximity
makes it fairly secure without encryption.
Long range: Systems are available, but require a battery or power supply in the RFID device in order to get
extended range. The antenna system of the stationary part must be well
designed. This is used on many toll-road systems, sometimes called
“EZ pass.” Encryption must be use to secure data.
Interface to database - issues and problems.
Time and resources must be allocated to database
management and security. If the database is not maintained, the
system will not perform as expected and
the cost will be exceptionally high. The cost of database management
must be factored in to the cost of operating an RFID system.
How/where to obtain and produce ID cards:
Lenel
HID
List of suppliers, typically from internet.
Geographic separation of numbers that are used in the cards.
Be careful to coordinate numbering systems with the
manufacturers or suppliers. It is possible that another facility in
your area may use the very same kind of system. You do not want
employees from other facilities to have access to your
facilities. This has happened and probably will continue to happen in
the future.
Lifespan of batteries in the system.
Most RFID access have battery back up in the stationary
part of the system. Some cards also have batteries in them to extend
the range. These batteries have a life span of 3 to 5 years at the
most. Battery maintenance must be factored into the cost of operating
an RFID system.
Mis-encoded tags: Manufacturers and suppliers do make
mistakes. Many times, the cards can still be used, but the database
manager will have more work to do.
Smartcards are RFID cards that contain memory, such as flashram, in which data can be stored semi-permanently
and securely. This stored data can be any data such as medical records,
financial data, or other records. The biggest application of Smartcard
technology is in credit cards with well over 3 billion in service,
today. This technology allows the user to have a “digital
wallet.” This means that the card may have cash value stored on
it, along with credit information and other personal data. If it is
lost, the cash value, credit and data are inaccessible to the finder
due to encryption, but they are also a loss to the owner. Magnetic
stripe technology has similar abilities, but it cannot contain as much
information, the information is not secure, and the stripe can be
de-magnetized easily which erases all data.
Come with RFID embedded in the passport which will contain
much personal information, next year. This is a major concern for those
who follow the technology because ID theft may get easier. They will
put a RF-shield on the outer cover of these passports so that they must
be open and in contact with a reading system in order to pass
information.
Hope information this helps give you direction!
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