Installation guide

99
Wi-Fi Location-Based Services—Design and Deployment Considerations
OL-11612-01
RFID Tag Considerations
Figure 71 Tested 802.11 Wi-Fi Active RFID Tags
AeroScout Asset Tags (Type 2)
AeroScout Type 2 asset tags (http://www.aeroscout.com) are small 802.11 active RFID devices that can
interact directly with the Cisco UWN. These tags use Layer 2 multicasts to communicate with the
network and WCS displays their location on floor maps as a yellow-tag icon (see 802.11 Active RFID
Tags (L2 Multicast), page 31). The small size of the AeroScout asset tag (2.44” x 1.57” x .67”) and
lightweight (1.2 ounces) facilitates usage on assets with a variety of sizes and shapes.
The asset tag is shipped with a multifunctional attachment plate (shown in the second and third views in
Figure 72) that supports a variety of mounting options including straps, clips, and so on, and is easily
attached to assets via various off-the-shelf mechanisms (double-sided adhesive tape, straps, and so on).
Powered by a replaceable 3.6v lithium battery, the AeroScout tag can operate for up to 4 years depending
on the beacon rate, number of channels, power output, and other configuration options specified during
tag configuration. The tag is supplied with an IP-67/IP-68-rated water, shock, and dust-resistant
rubber-gasketed plastic enclosure for use in rugged work environments. The latest versions of Aeroscout
T2 asset tags also incorporate motion sensitivity and a call button. For complete specifications regarding
the AeroScout asset tag, see the following URL: http://www.aeroscout.com/data/uploads/AeroScout T2
Tag Data Sheet.pdf.
Figure 72 AeroScout T2 802.11 Wi-Fi Active RFID Tag
The AeroScout Type 2 asset tag contains both a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b transceiver as well as a
low-frequency, short-range 125 KHz receiver. 2.4 GHz output power is configurable up to a maximum
of +19dBm (81mW). This asset tag can be programmed via its serial cable interface or via the 125 KHz
receiver channel using a device known as a Tag Activator. A tag activator is basically an IP addressable
tag reader/interrogator designed to be used with AeroScout programming software known as Tag
Manager. The use of a tag activator is recommended over the serial cable interface, which requires