Gen2
Perhaps the most important factor promoting the popularity of RFID is the emergence of Gen2 - officially the EPCglobal Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID Protocol for Communications - the standard protocol for transmitting EPC (Electronic Product Code). ).
Although the Gen2 standard was approved in late 2004, it was not until mid-2005 that hardware designs supported this standard appeared. A few months later the production actually started, long after the first RFID wave used standard Class 0 and Class 1 hardware.
In theory, Gen2 has many advantages. In addition to providing a common standard, Gen2 also offers higher read speeds (4.5 times the Class 1 standard) and a wider range of operations. Gen2 also applies new algorithms to avoid conflict to improve accuracy and reliability.
The Gen2 card can hold more data, has a flexible memory size, password security and has the function of removing the thread circulating at the reader, giving you more possibilities. The Gen2 card also supports international bandwidth regulations, enabling global collaboration and ISO approval.
Gen2 has become the most common RFID standard, supported by many manufacturers.However, Gen2 may not be the final EPC standard.EPCglobal specifications such as ALE need to be refined.Anyway, the emergence of Gen2 also makes it easier to deploy RFID.
System integration
Building RFID infrastructure not only programmed to use ALE software but also the RFID reader hardware interface. So even the lowest level implementation is not an easy job. A solution to simplify integration and ensure data consistency is to combine various middleware tools and system platforms.
In terms of RFID network management, Sun Microsystems released an important update in February this year: Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0. This package includes Sun Java System RFID Event Manager, Sun Java System RFID Information Server, development toolkit and control components.
The Information Server component provides support for reading devices and application communication services, while Event Manager controls event handling to filter input data. Most importantly, this package provides excellent distributed error handling capabilities, important features that ensure the fault tolerance of RFID while working.
The new version includes the API library that handles reader and printer functions. Another important point is to add support for Java ME (formerly J2ME) to embed intelligent processing capabilities directly into the device, a crucial step to creating smart readers and devices The ability to communicate with other automated devices without the central server system. In addition, Sun also provides support for both ALE and EPC-IS communication (EPCglobal Information Services) to exchange data between trading partners, as well as support for AII automatic ID systems ( SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure.
As a component of SAP's NetWeaver application, AII provides mySAP Business Suite users with the ability to integrate RFID data directly, which is useful in supply chain and warehouse management applications. AII has good event management features and supports a variety of modern and traditional devices, such as bar codes, PLC (programmable logic controller) and Bluetooth. Other tools, like Auto-ID Cockpit, help warehouse managers monitor the status of orders.
SAP's support for AII is also included in the recently updated software package Any Anywhere 2.0 by iAnywhere, a Sybase subsidiary. This package provides the same middleware platform as Sun, including Site Manager and Component Manager components, but lacks the ability to deploy directly on the device.
However, the basic solution is not enough for large-scale projects (company level). Customers need to upgrade to Sybase RFID Enterprise 2.0 package, including RFID Anywhere and complete event management, data analysis and business process integration tools. This combined product suite is built on an SOA architecture, providing good development tools such as the Microsoft Visual Studio extension for generating system code, RFID network simulation tools and the ability to connect to multiple Reader interface, sensor and controller.
To expand the market, SAP has recently partnered with Intermec (RFID device maker) to target small and medium-sized customers with affordable RFID solutions. There are also a number of other major middleware providers in the market, such as ConnecTerra, which has recently been acquired by BEA, and IBM with WebSphere RFID Premise Server (see "RFID Infrastructure Provider" table).
INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPLIES RFID
Participating in the RFID movement along with brand names will help preserve your investment in the future. Use standard compliant middleware and hardware that can upgrade firmware to support new standards.
CODE OF CODE
Intermec
infoworld.com/4015
Production of RFID coding and printing equipment;EasyCoder product line topped the product group;Support Gen2.
Paxar
infoworld.com/4017
Having a reputation in the field of manufacturing RFID encoded printers and barcodes.
Zebra Tehcnologies
infoworld.com/4016
Produce a variety of printers / encoders that can upgrade firmware;Integrated reader supported by ThingMagic partner.
READER
Allen Technology
infoworld.com/4018 Provide a free Gen2 reader when purchasing an RFID Symbol card
infoworld.com/4019 Produce a variety of hardware, including fixed and portable readers; There is a product package for ThingMagic business
infoworld.com/4020Mercury reader product line supports Gen2 and previous standards;There are many categories that meet different deployment situations
MIDDLEWARE
BEA
infoworld.com/4027
WebLogic RFID Products family has many features including device management, event management and deployment packages.
IBM
infoworld.com/4021
WebShpere RFID Premises Server 1.1 connects devices and monitors;Support EPC-IS.
Savi
infoworld.com/4022
Tight integrated hardware and software solutions;SmartChain platform provides fast deployment solutions for businesses.
Sun Microsystems
infoworld.com/4023
Java System RFID Software 3.0 provides the API library for device management, events, monitoring and deployment.
HANDLING OF THE COMPREHENSIVE EVENTS
Progress Software
infoworld.com/4024
Complex event management;High scalability;Adapt ALEStreambase Systems
infoworld.com/4028Corporate-level event handling software
Signals are not clear
Although the list of hardware and software is getting longer, don't rush: the RFID market is still stubborn. Don't be convinced by suppliers. If you intend to deploy RFID in the present time, be prepared to face the problem of device compatibility, faulty software, the numbering standard needs to be improved and the security risks to be overcome. .
Compared to middleware, most of the first generation of reader hardware are not "smart" enough. When the new generation of readers adds more advanced processing features, the burden of the middleware class will be reduced. The focus will focus on shaking hands between the RFID infrastructure and the business system.
While RFID is not as popular as bar codes, it is best to plan for future deployment of RFID. By investing in a scalable system and adapting to future application models, your investment today will be preserved with the next and future RF wave.
RFID application company model