Chapter 3: Site Analysis

RFID+ Exam Objectives Covered in this Chapter:

ü	7.1 Given a scenario, demonstrate how to read blueprints (e.g., whole infrastructure)
ü	7.2 Determine sources of interference 7.2.1 Use analysis equipment such as a spectrum analyzer, determine if there is any ambient noise in the frequency range that may conflict with the RFID system to be installed
ü	7.3 Given a scenario, analyze environmental conditions end-to-end

There are two primary components that leverage the physics of radio frequency identification (RFID): the place where the network will be deployed and the items that will be tagged. In this chapter, I will discuss in detail the place where RFID is going to be deployed.

The challenge with RFID is that all radio frequency (RF) is invisible; there are more waves bouncing around a typical warehouse facility than on Hawaii's North Shore, but unless you've got X-ray vision you can't see what is going on. Add on top of this the fact that an RFID network requires supporting infrastructure such as power and Internet connectivity, and there is a lot to think about. This is all before you consider what happens with the people and the processes that need to take place every day.

All of those critical factors around the facility are what is important in a site analysis. This part of the CompTIA RFID+ exam is without a doubt one of the most critical to your success as a practitioner. You should make sure you understand the components in this chapter seven ways from Sunday to be successful and to save yourself a lot of hassle when you are out in the real world of RFID.