Cisco Systems outlined a networking strategy to help enterprises introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies into their supply chains to increase visibility into product information and optimize business flow. Key elements of the Cisco RFID Solution include:
- Cisco Application Oriented Network (AON) for RFID, which includes modules that embed RFID middleware functions onto Cisco data center switches and branch office routers. The RFID-enabled Cisco AON modules can be installed throughout an enterprise's network; at the edge for RFID event capture and filtering, and in the data center for data authentication, additional filtering and aggregation, and application protocol bridging. In addition, the AON modules can perform tasks such as outbound encryption, digital signature and content-based routing when sharing data with external business partners. The Cisco AON for RFID Solution has a U.S. list price of $16,250 and is scheduled to ship in October 2005 in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa and in the second half of FY06 in Asia, Japan and emerging markets.
- Cisco Services for RFID, including an RFID Network Readiness Assessment, Pilot Service Offering, and Production Implementation Support. Cisco services for RFID are available now worldwide.
- Cisco Wireless Location Service based on the Cisco 2700 Wireless Location Appliance, which uses RF fingerprinting to simultaneously track up to 1,500 Wi-Fi-enabled active RFID tags from within the 802.11 WLAN. The Cisco 2700 Wireless Location Appliance has a U.S. list price of $14,995 and has been shipping worldwide since June 2005.
- Supporting RFID-related products from partners ConnecTerra, Intermec Technologies Corp., PanGo Networks and ThingMagic.
