NetStumbler

RuBee Seen As Alternative Protocol To RFID

Eliza Villarino — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:46:00 +0000

The IEEE working group for RuBee (IEEE 1902.1) is due to meet in Boston on February 20. RuBee, a wireless networking protocol deemed as an alternative to RFID, is expected to enable networks to run on long wavelengths and cover thousands of radio tags working below 450 kHz. It allows for real-time inventory under harsh environments, even close to metal and water and amid electromagnetic noise.

Because of its relatively slow speed, the specification is not appropriate for tracking scores of moving products in a standard warehouse but it is helpful for transmitting data directly to the Internet. With the use of lithium batteries, the battery life of RuBee radio tags is seen to last ten years or more.

The IEEE is encouraging “anyone interested in helping develop this standard” to be present at the February gathering. RuBee supporters include Tesco group in the U.K., Germany’s Metro chain, France-based Carrefour and BestBuy in the U.S. Chip makers, network equipment designers and systems developers like Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sony, Panasonic, Motorola and NCR also back the development of the protocol.
Via [informationweek.com]

Cisco Invests In Active Wi-Fi Based RFID

Wayne Slavin — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 13:59:00 +0000

With the growing importance of RFID, Wi-Fi companies, which specialize in location awareness of wireless devices don’t want to miss the bus. Confident that the Wi-Fi based active RFID solutions are the way to go, Cisco has announced that it is investing in AeroScout Inc., a specialist in the field of Wi-Fi based Active RFID solutions.
Via [cxotoday.com]

Intermec On The RFID/Wi-Fi Intersection

Wayne Slavin — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 17:22:00 +0000

Intermec, an RFID patent holder at the center of many legal battles, recently took time from its tug-of-war with Symbol Technologies to discuss the future of Wi-Fi. Unlike its competitors in radio tagging and location, Intermec doesn’t expect Wi-Fi to become a prominent player.
Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

Active RFID Meets Wi-Fi To Ease Asset Tracking

Wayne Slavin — Wed, 19 Jan 2005 15:35:00 +0000

TransAlta Corp. is no stranger to radio-frequency identification. The Canadian power company uses passive RFID to help maintain equipment in several of its 600-foot-long plants. But TransAlta wants to take things to the next level with a system that combines its Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth technology, and active RFID so it can find equipment and easily read RFID tags and metrics from temperature gauges, vibration probes, and other peripherals using a single, untethered device.
Via [informationweek.com]