Integration of RFID Network Planning with Xbee Network: A New Approach

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless technology used for real time identification and data capture of items. It replaces the traditional barcode at retail shop, warehousing, logistics and supply chain management etc. The basic requirements for deploying RFID network are to know the number of readers needed, location of the readers and the efficient power setting for each reader. The optimal solution of RFID network planning problems can be achieved by the implementation of newly developed Multi-Colony Global Particle Swarm Optimization (MC-GPSO) algorithm, which computes objective functions scientifically. However owing to the limited transmission range of RFID reader, it can track and identify items within specified range only. A novel approach to integrate RFID network planning with XBee wireless mesh network was developed. It could enhance the communication range and visibility of items identification and tracking activity faster and accurate. It also increases the tracking activity of multiple items as compared to existing barcode technology. RFID system is able to reduce the product loss or shrinkage and bullwhip effect resulting to reduce the overall cost. It also reduces the time of data transfer in global network.