What's on Our Bookshelf

How to Cheat at Deploying and Securing RFID

By Dr. Paul Sanghera, Frank Thorton, Brad Haines, John Kleinschmidt, Anand M. Das, Hersh Bhargava, and Anita Campbell; edited by Francesco Kung Man Fung and John Kleinschmidt. Published by Syngress Publishing, Inc. (Elsevier, Inc.)

This book calls itself: "the perfect reference for the multitasked administrator." Its two editors and seven authors explain why the "measure twice, cut once" rule applies to RFID. It is intended for IT security professionals of all levels needing to get current with the topic of RFID.

The book begins by explaining how RFID works including the physics of RFID, electromagnetism, and RF waves. Then it covers understanding tags, readers, and interrogation zones. Regulations and standards are also explained. The book then delves into what administrators need to know about installing and maintaining an RFID system including: selecting the RFID system design, performing site analysis, performing installation, working with RFID peripherals, and monitoring and troubleshooting RFID systems. The last few chapters of the book explain RFID threats, including: threat and target identification, tag encoding attacks, tag application attacks, securing communications using RFID middleware, attacking the backend, and management of RFID security.

Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) 2008-2018

By Dr. Peter Harrop, Glyn Holland, and Raghu Das. Published by IDTechEx Ltd.

The Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) market is projected to reach $145 million in 2008, and will rise to $1.19 billion by 2015. Over the past two years, the number of companies involved in supplying active RFID and RTLS has increased from less than 20 to over 200 worldwide. IDTechEx's 235-page report, Real Time Locating Systems 2008-2018, includes forecasts to 2018 brought to life by over 65 case studies and 20 tables of analysis.

There is a thorough consideration of the extension of the technological repertoire that will underpin the rapid adoption of RTLS in future. An example is the promising, but little used principle of measuring the angle and attenuation of a single returning beam, known as Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).

This report costs $2,800 for a subscription to the electronic version and a printed copy. It ensures that you stay informed and stay ahead of the market on active RFID & RTLS developments. Also available from IDTechEx are HF RFID – The Great Leap Forward and RFID Forecasts, Players, and Opportunities 2008-2018. Visit www.idtechex.com.

The Complete RFID Handbook

By Diane Marie Ward. Published by Neal Schuman Publishers

Author Diane Marie Ward says that there are many opinions of RFID floating around and it's hard to find objective information when an library is considering adopting RFID. She has written The Complete RFID Handbook to help librarians make clear, informed decisions without an unbiased guide to explain this technology as it applies to them. The Complete RFID Handbook seeks to demonstrate through research, interviews, and scientific data the many ways in which libraries can benefit from this technology. It is organized with the busy librarian in mind.

The book addresses the applications available for libraries, provides real-world examples, and offers sound suggestions for the best way to select and implement RFID. It provides information to all staff members who are involved in making the decision, implementing the equipment, and educating patrons about new procedures. Other libraries' RFID experiences are included

The book also seeks to arm the libraries against popular misconceptions about RFID. Ward explains how library applications are different than the more dynamic applications used by adopters like Wal-Mart and the DoD. She says: "When you thoroughly understand the difference, you will be able to calm patrons' fears that the library's new system may compromise their privacy by explaining to them that it is not able to track or trace patrons, and there is no linkage between patron and item on the tag. "

On the accompanying DVD, RFID self-check is explained. Inventory and item-searching using RFID are illustrated. RFID is also shown in action in other applications, such as a theme park.

The RF in RFID, Passive UHF RFID in Practice

By Daniel M. Dobkin. Published by Newnes (Elsevier, Inc.)

RFID technology is rapidly growing in the manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, shipping, and retailing of goods and merchandise. Little tags attached to each item or shipment allow reader devices to determine the nature, location, and classification of each item. But to really understand RFID technology, you have to understand radio frequency concepts, theory, and applications. In this book, author Daniel M. Dobkin gives you the intellectual tool kit you'll need to successfully use RFID technology in a variety of applications.

Find concise explanations of the key points of RFID technology, including the different "flavors" of RFID and their characteristics and applications. The basics of RF technology that apply to RFID – such as modulation techniques, signal bandwith, and power levels – are explored in detail. And you'll also find information on: specific radios used in RFID; how passive RFID tags work; tag reader protocols used in RFID; and antennas for RFID systems. The CD-ROM accompanying this book includes the open-source software oneTagWorld, animations, and full-color figures.