What Is RFID?

Date First Published: 18th August 2023

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Data Transmission Technologies

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 6/10

CONTENTS

Uses Of RFID
Types Of RFID Tags
Privacy Issues Of RFID Tags

Learn about what RFID is in this article.

Stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects, animals, and people using tags. RFID tags are usually small enough so that they are not easily noticeable. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter.

Uses Of RFID

RFID is most commonly used for retail stores to keep track of inventory and uniquely identify the items they are attached to and prevent theft. These tags use radio frequencies that are monitored by an antenna. They are usually found at the entrance of the store and usually hidden in the doorframe or under the floor at the entry. The detection antennas send a signal and the security tag answers back. If an item with an active tag passes by, an alarm will go off.

Debit and credit cards use a type of RFID technology, called near-field communication (NFC). When placing the card near the contactless card reader for a few seconds, the NFC technology is activated, allowing the payment to be processed. NFC works for shorter distances in the range of 10 cm.

RFID tags can also be placed in pet collars to identify and track them if they are lost and when they are found. The tags can be implanted by veterinarians and contain information about the pet, including their name, medical records, and owner contact information. Pet chips are more reliable than collars, which can be removed or fall off. Some tags may also be placed on birds and other animals to track and identify them for research purposes.

Types Of RFID Tags

There are two main types of RFID tags. These include:

Active RFID tag - An active RFID tag has its own power source, usually a battery. This allows the tags to be read at a greater range from the RFID reader, up to hundreds of metres.
Passive RFID tag - A passive RFID tag does not have its own power source. Instead, it receives its power from the reading antenna.The electromagnetic waves induce a current in the antenna of the RFID tag.

Privacy Issues Of RFID Tags

A privacy issue of RFID tag data is that it can be read by anyone with a compatible reader. Tags can often be read after an item leaves a store or supply chain. They can also be read without a user's permission or knowledge using unauthorised readers. If a tag has a unique serial number, it can be associated to a consumer. Although this is a privacy concern for individuals, in military or medical settings, this can be a national security concern. In addition, RFID tags do not support encryption as they have limited compute power.