RFID Meets Wi-Fi and UWB in the RTLS Space

Technology Convergence and Coexistence Take Center Stage

During the past two decades, we have seen the introduction and widespread adoption of short-range wireless communications, including wireless LANs (Wi-Fi), ultra wideband (UWB), and RFID. An entirely new communications infrastructure using unlicensed spectrum has begun to take root, and more and more devices and applications are taking advantage of this progress. The focus of this Research Brief is on the various technologies, relevant applications, and development of these wireless identification and location systems, more commonly known as real-time locations systems (RTLS). It is designed to provide readers with an understanding of core RTLS technologies, their tradeoffs, and select vendor approaches to products and systems. It demonstrates that a preoccupation with the technologies alone is misplaced: a more useful concept is real-time intelligence visualization (RTIV), in which the technology becomes the means to an end, not the end itself.

Table of Contents


Section 1.
GROWING INTEREST IN ASSET VISIBILITY, UTILIZATION, AND OPTIMIZATION
1.1. Is real-time intelligence visualization (RTIV) becoming the new RTLS?

Section 2.
MANY FLAVORS OF RTLS
2.1. RFID-Enabled RTLS
2.1.1. Benefits of Active RFID
2.2. The Increasing Role of Wi-Fi in the Location Business
2.2.1. Benefits of Wi-Fi
2.3. UWB Adds Another Flavor to the RTLS Mix
2.3.1. Advantages of UWB
2.3.2. What issues need to be resolved in UWB?
2.4. Alternatives and Complements to RFID, Wi-Fi, and UWB
2.5. Location Determination: RSSI and TDOA

Section 3.
KEY TARGET APPLICATIONS AND VERTICALS
3.1. Applications of Active RFID, Wi-Fi, and UWB-Enabled RTLS
3.1.1. Asset Tracking and Management
3.1.2. Work-in-Process Tracking
3.1.3. Cargo Tracking and Security
3.2. Vertical Market Interest Continues to Blossom
3.2.1. Automotive and Manufacturing
3.2.2. Transportation and Logistics
3.2.3. Aerospace/Defense and Government
3.2.4. Healthcare
3.2.5. Others

Section 4.
BRINGING WIRELESS IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION SOLUTIONS TOGETHER
4.1. Resolving Resolution: One Factor Bringing Solutions Together
4.1.1. AeroScout and Time Domain Partner to Offer Dual Wi-Fi/UWB Solutions
4.2. Leveraging the Existing Infrastructure
4.2.1. Apprion Makes Wireless Infrastructure the Common Denominator



Tables
  • Global RFID System Revenue Segmented by Primary Application, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2013 ($ Millions)

Charts
  • Global RFID System Revenue Segmented by Primary Application, World Market, Forecast: 2008 to 2013