More about Tags and Reader Configuration

Tag options include the following:

• Passive or active
• Read-only, Read-write, or write once
• Short range or long range

Each option has certain advantages and disadvantages.  For example, active tags cost more and are larger, but are a better choice for use with high value goods and/or those that require continuous identification and location.  Read-write tags, while expensive compared to read-only, are a good choice for monitoring for security, quality assurance, and/or theft deterrence.

Active tags may either provide active presence or active location information.  This means that they can either provide general information about the presence of an object/item or more precise location information.  Active location RFID systems support a higher effective read range with greater resolution capabilities, allowing for more precise tag location determination.  Read-write tags have reduced range due to the increased signal overhead of the full duplex communications, causing these systems to not perform location determination as well as read-only systems.