TECHNOLOGICAL IMPLEMENTATION  ISSUES

     Current generation 1 RFID tags (Gen1) have significant implementation issues.  Many Gen1 RFID tags limitations exist due to their implementation during technology and software development, and resulted in multiple RFID tag protocols.  Issues of tag-to-reader and read-to-middleware problems exist.  Limited read-rates, multiple tag reads, completely missed tag reads and accuracy of tag reads occur.  Additionally, problems exist with RF signal reduction by liquids in the product and metal in the product or packaging.  Finally, security of RFID data remains an issue, with unwanted interception of tag transmitted data or tags responding to queries from unauthorized readers.    

     Many Gen1 RFID tags issues are expected to be overcome by Generation 2 RFID tags.   EPCglobal establishment of standards and capabilities for Class 1 Generation 2 (Gen2) UHF RFID tags will significantly enhance RFID systems and address the technological limitations of Gen1 RFID tags.  Gen2 tags will provide a single UHF specification (replacing several Gen1 tags), improve read/write rates to tags, improve tag readability and accuracy and set tag architecture for future applications and functionality. 

Some key improvements of Gen2 RFID tags:

Improved read rates:

Gen2 RFID tags have four communication speeds to improve operation in different operating environments.  Slower speeds are used to improve communication in noisy RF environments.  Theoretical read rates of 1000 per second in optimal environments.

Improved accuracy and read: 

Following a reader query, each Gen2 RFID tag responds with a randomly generated number.  The reader acknowledges the single tag by returning the random number, prompting the tag to send its EPC identification.  Additionally, the ability to “quiet” tags after being read will allow RFID readers to focus efforts to read tags on the edge of the readers’ field or being blocked by RF absorbent material.  Gen2 RFID tags improve this process by commanding the tags to switch states between subsequent read queries.

Mitigating multiple-reader interference:

Gen2 RFID tags build on Gen1 technology to improve operation when multiple readers are operating in close proximity.  Gen2 tags can, based on reader commands, respond with varying widths of side channels to reduce encountered RF interference.  Additionally, Gen2 calls for three modes of reader operations: single reader, multiple and dense-reader.  Under the dense reader mode, reader transmissions are segregated into distinct RF channels offset from the response channels of tags to keep tag transmissions from being interfered with by other read transmissions.   

Enhanced Security:

Security is enhanced by using 32-bit passwords to ensure the RFID tag only responds to an authorized reader.  This password can be used to permanently disable the RFID tag and for accessing a tags memory. 1,3