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An RFID system comprises a number of elements:

 RFID reader / writer: The reader writer is used to communicate with the tags that may pass
within range. The RFID reader writer will normally be located in a fixed position and will be used
to interrogate an RFID tag. Dependent upon the application and the format of the system and
the RFID reader / writer, data may also be written to the RFID tag.
 RFID tag: RFID tags may also be called RFID transponders and are typically located on items that
are mobile. They are small and generally cheap so that they can be attached to low cost (or high
cost) items that need to have information associated with them. They are also generally
considered as being disposable. The RFID tag contains data that is relayed to the reader, and in
some systems it may also be possible to update the data within the tag to indicate that the tag
and hence the item has undergone a specific stage in a process, etc.

 RFID application software: like all systems these days, RFID systems need application software
to run the overall system. With many systems there will be a number of different reader / writers
and the data to and from these needs to be coordinated and analyzed. A specific application
software will be required for these.

Although each RFID system will vary according to its requirements, the aforementioned are the main
elements which can be found.
RFID technology has become widespread in its use. It offers many advantages and RFID is a
particularly versatile system, being able to be used in many areas from shops, to manufacturing
plants and also for general asset tracking, as well as a host of other innovative applications.

The following diagram described the RFID elements:

Type Details

Technical specifications regarding the wireless connection interface between the
Air Interface
RFID tag and the reader
Code System System of identifier codes to be recorded on RFID tags
Common processing function of the applicable middleware system to apply
Middleware
various RFID

260 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications