RFID

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to transfer data from an electronic tag, called RFID tag or label, attached to an object, through a reader for the purpose of identifying and tracking the object. Some RFID tags can be read from several meters away and beyond the line of sight of the reader. This enables the tracking of items or people throughout a location. Typical RFID reader

Depending on your environment and the items you need to protect, typically you can use tags, pins, labels, etc. There are three main tags for RFID are as follow:

Passive tags
These tags are relatively cheap compared to their counterparts below and also have a reduced range.

This reduced range can also mean that sometimes they can’t be detected depending on distance and the angle from the antenna. Typical range up to 20 meters. Typical Tag 1

Battery assisted passive tags
These tags offer an extended range and ideal for detecting products and/or the tags may also need to be attached to variety of devices including metal.

These are relatively new and will need further significant testing on-site in your environment.

If successful then these should work in with passive antennas significantly reducing cost of additional antennas required for fully active tags. Typical range up to 500 meters. Typical Tag 2

Active tags
Each has their strengths and weaknesses and these are discussed in more details in the relevant sections below. These sections also have an outline of pricing for each of the proposed options. Typical range up to 500 meters. Typical Tag 1