SLRRP spurs large-scale RFID rollouts

SLRRP’s network-centric interface provides scalability and flexibility, allowing the reader to support the needs of multiple applications, which might have different tag access requirements.

SLRRP spurs large-scale RFID rollouts

By Mike Grady

Radio frequency identification readers were originally operated as peripherals typically connected to a host computer via a serial port to support a dedicated application. This works OK for deployments involving modest numbers of readers performing a specific targeted business function, but to accommodate large-scale RFID production environments, readers are evolving to support TCP/IP stacks connected via wired or wireless networks.

A typical RFID deployment would consist of a network of RFID readers controlled by one or more Reader Network Controller (RNC) element. Implemented in the form of software in a server, embedded software in a router or switch, or a stand-alone device, this controller provides the control and data path interface to a reader network. The RNC is connected to servers running RFID-enabled client applications, as well as management applications that monitor operations of the reader network.

This network-centric architecture calls for a simple, flexible controller-to-reader protocol. The IETF is deciding on chartering a working group to develop the Simple Lightweight RFID Reader Protocol (SLRRP [pronounced “slurp”]). SLRRP is a proposed protocol for use in an IP-based network to convey configuration, control parameters, status and tag information to and from readers.

For the rest of this story and for more information on SLRRP go to: http://www.networkworld.com/news/tech/2005/062005techupdate.html