September 2004 Project: IEEE P802.15 Working Group for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) Submission Title: [Towards an IEEE Standard for Active RFID] Date Submitted: [21 September, 2005] Source: [Robert Poor] Company [NBT Group] Address [One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge MA 02141 USA] Voice:[+1 617 818 5115], FAX: [], E-Mail:[rpoor@ieee.org] Re: [] Abstract: This document proposes a new “Active RFID” standard, in which powered RF devices provide bi-directional communication specifically for tagging and management of physical goods and inventory. Such applications require extraordinarily low cost, long battery life, and high reliability. The reward for reaching these stringent goals is access to a large and growing market for RFID systems. Purpose: This document is designed to promote discussion within the WNG group, with a possible outcome of forming a new Study Group to further investigate efficacy of an “active RFID” standard. Notice: This document has been prepared to assist the IEEE P802.15. It is offered as a basis for discussion and is not binding on the contributing individual(s) or organization(s). The material in this document is subject to change in form and content after further study. The contributor(s) reserve(s) the right to add, amend or withdraw material contained herein. Release: The contributor acknowledges and accepts that this contribution becomes the property of IEEE and may be made publicly available by P802.15. Robert Poor, NBT Group

The Vision: IEEE Standard Active RFID September 2004 The Vision: IEEE Standard Active RFID Imagine a node with a unique ID and bidirectional wireless network link that functions as an RFID, costs under $1 and runs for five years on a 200 mAH lithium coin cell. How would you use it? Robert Poor, NBT Group

How can you use Active RFID? September 2004 How can you use Active RFID? You can make dynamic queries to discover inventory on demand, not just when “illuminated” by a reader You can track and safeguard merchandise You can provide physical goods with environmental sensing, history and provenance. By linking RFID tags in a mesh, you can extend the reach of the networking Active RFID tags can generate alarms on exceptional conditions (temperature, shock, vibration) Robert Poor, NBT Group

doc.: IEEE 802.15-<doc#> <month year> doc.: IEEE 802.15-<doc#> September 2004 Straw man “5 Criteria” Broad Market Potential Market research for RFID predicts >40% CAGR with a total market of $4.6B by 2007. [VDC 2004] Compatibility By creating an IEEE 802 standard, we can guarantee ISO 10039 compatibility at the MAC/LLC boundary. Distinct Identity No other IEEE standard addresses the requirements for extremely low power (e.g 5 year life on 200 mAH) and low cost (< $1). Technical Feasibility Many technical requirements have been proven with ZigBee / 802.15.4 systems. Economic Feasibility Predictions based on die size and power requirements suggest viable systems can be built economically. Robert Poor, NBT Group <author>, <company>

(Tentative) Next Steps September 2004 (Tentative) Next Steps Prepare formation of Study Group, perhaps under the Low Rate PAN umbrella (IEEE 802.15.4). Solicit input to define PAR and 5C. Robert Poor, NBT Group