RFID Relay

Military operations require real-time visibility of all assets. As equipment and supplies are transferred between locations and shipping containers, their locations need to be tracked quickly and easily. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the standard for asset tracking, and wireless networks can assist by extending the reach of RFID readers from the assets in trucks and ships back to an In-Transit-Visibility server, without running cables from the readers to the network . 

Challenges

An asset tracking network must address many challenges. Handheld RFID readers do not have powerful enough radios to reach more than a few hundred feet from a standard access point. Many fixed RFID interrogators and scales do not have wireless interfaces and require cables to be strung across loading areas where moving vehicles are transporting assets. The area also can be full of obstructions, including buildings and moving vehicles, making wireless network planning difficult.

Solution

The ideal solution for extending the reach of RFID interrogators is a portable mesh network. A self-forming, self-healing mesh network would eliminate cables and allow for rapid deployment. It would also allow multiple nodes to be positioned as needed to provide adequate reach and coverage around buildings, trucks, and other obstructions. Standard 802.11 Wi-Fi technology would allow the network to support commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) handheld scanners, and Ethernet interfaces would allow the network to wirelessly enable other IP-based equipment. A mesh network would also meet all Department of Defense (DoD) security policies and requirements.

Example: RFID-III

The US Army's Product Management Office for Joint-Automatic Identification Technology (PM J-AIT) provides global asset tracking technology to Joint Services, Federal agencies, NATO, and multi-national forces. Their $429M RFID-III contract provides a full range of state-of-the-art hardware and integration services for logistics tracking and for locating and monitoring commodities and assets . Fortress Technologies provides the RFID relay solution offered by all four prime contract holders: Savi (a Lockheed-Martin company), Unisys Corporation, Northrop Grumman IT, and SPEC.

Fortress ES520 Mesh Point

The Fortress ES520 Deployable Mesh Point is designed for rapidly deployed networks. It supports a variety of features, including dual radios, mesh networking, and an 8-port Ethernet switch. It can be easily mounted on a wall or mast-mounting kit for outdoor deployments. Its rugged, weatherproof enclosure supports almost any military operating environment, and multiple power options. Finally, it meets all DOD security requirements, including FIPS 140-2 encryption. 

Detailed specifications and certifications