Recommendations on radio regulations and air interface protocols

Recommendations on radio regulations can be given for the two most important frequency bands. These are the HF band at 13.56MHz and the UHF band from 860-960MHz. In both fields, several things could be improved. Particularly in the UHF frequency band there is big need for changes. Other frequencies like LF or 2.45 GHz are mainly used in stand-alone applications.

• CEPT ERC/REC70-03 should be mandatory

A first step would be to make the implementation of ERC/REC 70-03 mandatory for all European countries. It also seems to be a good start to prevail the EC Decision 2006/804/EC from November 2006 to be mandatory, as it forces the member states to provide a UHF spectrum according to ERC/REC 70-03 within six month.

• Eliminate the necessity for listen-before-talk

The elimination of listen-before-talk is supposed to take place by the year 2008. For instance, the United Kingdom has already eliminated it. After its elimination changes in the ERC/REC 70-03 will be performed. This is planned for the beginning of 2008.

• Provide additional UHF spectrum

An additional UHF spectrum should be provided to improve Europe’s situation on the RFID market and to improve the performance of RFID systems. In the long run an adequate UHF spectrum should be provided for high-performance readers and for low-cost readers as well.

• Implement CEPT ERC/REC 70-03 Annex 9F11 (HF)

There also is a need for some activity in the HF spectrum. This is a widely used frequency band. The implementation of Annex 9F11 of ERC/REC 70-03 should be mandatory for all European countries. The modulation mask should be amendment to higher field-strength of 60dBµA/m. In the long run, it is necessary that an adequate spectrum for HF high-speed applications will be provided.

• Implement broad accepted air interface standards

In the fields of air interface protocols, a uniform global standard for all industry sectors such as for the compatible standards ISO 18000-6c and EPC Gen2 should be established. Furthermore, the establishment of a worldwide-accepted high-speed HF standard should be supported. This will help to improve the performance of different HF applications and to manage large numbers of tags within a short time.

• Provide an ITU-R service state for RFID

The ITU-R should be requested to provide an international service status, e.g. a secondary or permitted service for RFID. At present, RFID like other SRD have no status or rights for the use of frequencies; they are co-users and have to accept any interference from other services, which presents a performance risk for all users.