Specifications

Chapter 7
Uplink Design
7.1 Introduction
Having reviewed the system specification in Section 3, and considered the
implementation of the proposed solution in Section 4, this chapter will discuss
the design of the uplink module.
The uplink module’s purpose is to collect the data from the tags and
provide a means of uploading the data to the system operator. It was
decided early in the project that this module should be made as generic
as possible, with the option of adding additional peripherals (apart from the
RFID prerequisite) should they be required at a later date.
7.2 Design Options
7.2.1 Uplink Options
Various options were considered for the uplink. Due to the lack of any
existing wired network infrastructure, however, all options are limited to
the use of RF links. Although many proprietary RF solutions exist, high
frequency solutions would require line-of-sight (LOS) links between stations
on the island and the mainland and low frequency links have excessive power
requirements. Use of these proprietary links would thus limit the system’s
flexibility as the stations cannot be conveniently relocated. The island has
63