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Technologies
 

  Radio Frequency Data Communications (RFDC)
Wireless LANs (WLANs)

Radio Frequency data communications (RFDC) provides real-time, two-way communications between AIDC devices and a host computer without hard-wiring. Typically, RFDC is used to provide a link between the host and a hand-held or lift truck-mounted terminal. A growing use of RFDC is to link portable and mobile equipment to the host through "wireless modems." RFDC is used within a facility and should not be confused with cellular communications, although new RFDC systems are being developed that will allow remote as well as local wireless communication.

With the development of standards and new generations of RFDC equipment, wireless communications between client and host devices are no longer limited to data collection and other low demand applications. High-speed wireless communications systems now rival the achieved throughput of hard-wired Ethernet networks. The most common term for this technology these days is wireless local area networks (WLANs). With the development of IEEE 802.11 and 802.11b, radios and access points (fixed locations) from multiple vendors can be intermixed. The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) offers "Wi-Fi" certification that devices are compatible.

RFDC offers two communications options:

    • Narrow band (extended range),
    • Spread spectrum (increased speed).

It should be noted that, currently, not all spread spectrum systems are 802.11-compliant. Some are still proprietary.

Although there are new standards and options for WLANs, some older generation RFDC systems are still being offered that provide superior range (but need a site license). Nonetheless, for some applications, the narrow-band systems do provide a better solution than newer, spread spectrum systems.

RFDC is being used to speed data acquisition in:

    • Receiving,
    • Pick / Putaway,
    • Inventory,
    • Shipping (shipment verification),
    • Sales area management,
    • Portable Point-of-Sale, and
    • Quality control

RFDC Advantages:

    • Real-time, device-to-host communications,
    • Interaction with host programs from mobile locations,
    • Flexibility in network design,
    • A wide range of input options,
    • Narrow band and spread spectrum options.
RFDC Limitations:
    • FCC license required for narrow-band systems.