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Open Source RFID Project

Posted by michael on from the rfidstumbler dept.

Anonymous Coward writes "With all the press RFID is getting, I was looking for an open source solution to Wal-Mart's RFID compliancy mandate. I stumbled open the RadioActive project. I think these guys have the right idea. Eventually, RFID will be everywhere. Could an open source project like this bring rapid deployment of RFID like Apache did to the net?"

3 of 21 comments (clear)

  1. I don't see how... by dhakbar · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I'm not sure what the point of an open source RFID project would really be.

    Shortly put, I don't think the situation is at all analogous to Apache's.

    1. Re:I don't see how... by RadioActiveHq · · Score: 2, Insightful

      There are lots of details about RFID that most people don't see.

      The way in which Walmart, DOD and the EPC wants to deploy RFID is very similar to the internet. In a sense, each item will have its own IP address (unique id) and data can be resolved from that ip (information about the package).

      The standards set are full of specific software and services that companies need to have to deploy a EPC compliant system.

      Just like how Apache uses standards to communicate with browsers, the RFID world is heavily based on standards. Also the fact that RFID will most likley be everywhere in the next decade or so i think there will be a need for open source systems analogous to how there is a great need for apache.

  2. Same technology as proximity cards... by stienman · · Score: 4, Insightful

    RFID is ther same technology as proximity cards used to access many buildings.

    And here - also cached at - is a proximity/rfid copier and spoofer. It can read cards passively (while another reader interrogates them) or actively, and can later pretend it's the card when interrogated.

    Of course, this can be defeated by a challenge/response system, which is available, but lower costs will probably dictate the cheaper ID only rfid.

    I've known it can be done, and have had a desire to do it, but this guy already did. Now if this becomes common enough then the manufacturers will be forced to use more secure RFID mechanisms.

    -Adam