What is RFID Technology? Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags. An RFID tag is normally a small object that can be applied to a product or attached to a person for the purpose of identification using radio waves. Tags can be read from several meters to beyond the line of sight of the reader. RFID tags come in three general varieties: passive, active, or semi-passive. Most RFID tags contain at least two parts; an integrated circuit for storing and processing information and an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting the signal. RFID tags are designed to transmit a signal, at a set intervals, that is used to identify the tag to the RFID reader. These signals can be in two formats based on the RFID hardware. The first is a beacon signal. This signal is used to indicate to the RFID reader that a tag is in the area. At this point, the RFID reader can send a signal to the tag to forward the tag information to the reader. The second signal format is a tag transmission to the RFID reader that contains complete tag information.   RFID tag signals are read or interrogated by an RFID reader. RFID readers contain two parts; an integrated circuit for storing and processing information and an antenna to receive or transit signals from/to the RFID tag. RFID readers have a integrated memory or buffer that is used to store tag information from the RFID tag. The buffer size is hardware configured. Some RFID readers have that ability to hold up to 100 tag transmissions. Most RFID readers contain software that allow the user to adjust the amount of area the reader will monitor for the presence of RFID tags. RFID reader antenna configurations can also be used to adjust monitored area.   These RFID readers are designed to monitor as specific area for the presence of RFID tags. When a tag is detected, the RFID reader gathers information from the RFID tag that can include: tag number, battery age, and signal strength. Some RFID hardware can contain other information such as tamper detection or a panic button activation on the tag. This information is stored in the RFID reader buffer based on a FIFO arrangement (first in - first out).   Here's where NControl comes in !!   NControl's Data Collection applications gather the tag information from the RFID reader buffers, joins reader information, and compiles the information into an ODBC complaint database. Our applications allow users to designate readers as part of specific groups related to reader location, position, relationship to each other, and enhanced functionality groups. NControl's other applications use these groups to display asset location or use NControl 'rule sets' to perform other activities. NControl is the intelligence behind RFID Technology.   Learn More about how NEAT works                     Introduction to Asset Tracking                     NControl Case Studies