Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been around for more than 50 years, improving business productivity and enhancing the safety and security of millions of people. Door and building access control, theft prevention, toll-road payment systems, and inventory management are just a few of the applications in use today.
RFID’s components include a transponder which contains information and a reader which recognizes the transponder and can access the information it contains.
An RFID transponder or tag can be passive or active, a critical distinction to be made in any discussions of RFID and privacy:
A passive RFID tag can only transmit when it comes within range (typically inches but can be up to 10 feet or more in warehouse applications) of an RFID reader. Passive RFID tags do not have their own power source but require energy from the reader to power up. Passive ID tags do not “broadcast” information. Most passive RFID tags contain only a unique identification number.
An active RFID tag contains a battery and can send data without being powered by the reader.
RFID can also operate at different frequencies:
- 125/134 kHz. which is adequate for read-only usages such as access control
- 13.56 MHz. which is used for read/write applications, like mass transit value debit or cashless vending
- 2.5 GHz. which is appropriate for paying tolls or locating pallets in a warehouse.
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