RAIN RFID vs. Bluetooth: Is One Better for IoT?

RAIN RFID vs Bluetooth - It's a debate that will go on for some time as the technologies continue to improve and change. In this conversation with Mike Kastner, we dive into the controversy to discover if there are any ways that we can understand the two technologies comparatively without feeling that we have to jettison either one. It's a lively conversation that focuses on the pros and cons of each technology and the wide range of applications that can be considered for each one. If you or your company is looking for the right technology to meet a new situation you're facing, this episode should be very helpful for you.
Traditionally, RFID has been used for applications that are not necessarily focused on issues of proximity. Some examples where wide ranges of RFID frequencies have been applied are access control, ticketing (subways, etc.), and near field communications (NFC). As you can see, these uses of RFID technology are mostly tap or touch applications where distance is not an issue. But should you need a technology that allows transmission and detection over a larger distance, Bluetooth is likely the way you would need to go.
In most cases, it is undisputed that RFID technology is much less cost prohibitive than Bluetooth. The reason comes down to the way the technologies are manufactured. For example, RFID tags do not have to be powered, which means the only expense for batteries or power supplies is on the transmission side of the technology. The transmitter actually powers the tag so that is able to respond without any native ability to do so. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is not capable of operating in this way. This is just one of the examples of why RFID technology is typically less expensive, but the cost is not the only consideration.
Though this episode posits Bluetooth technology against RFID, the reality is that the two are not necessarily polar opposites that rival one another, at least not at this point in the development of each technology. Both Bluetooth and RFID have their advantages unique to the application they are being used for. RFID continues to be an excellent choice and growing market for a number of applications while Bluetooth does the same for its particular uses. Until the technology on one side or the other, or perhaps both changes, the two technologies can actually be complementary. You can hear all of the details about the comparisons of these two technological options, on this episode of Mr. Beacon.
Outline of This Episode
[0:18] Mike Kessneth: RFID vs Bluetooth expert
[2:32] The big umbrella that is RFID: What is it, really?
[7:24] The differences: a typical Bluetooth reader VS the two categories of RFID readers
[12:02] Cost comparisons to help choose Bluetooth instead of RAIN RFID
[15:25] Portable/handheld RFID readers - comparing the options
[17:44] What is read rate and why is it so important in RFID technology?
[25:21] Why the price of RFID tags is lower - much lower - than Bluetooth
[28:19] Bluetooth is superior in proximity applications but is weak in certain environments
[35:14] Summary of the case: RFID vs Bluetooth - what’s the answer?
[36:06] Why RFID is flourishing and will continue to do so
For more interviews and articles from the author of Beacon Technologies see www.mister-bea...
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[@stevenferriss2399]

Yes, I appreciate that discussion - especially that it is difficult to find truly reliable knowledge in this area.

[@davidvita]

amazing deep explanations ...u really make it simple. thanks !

[@stevestatler2713]

Thanks David, Mike was a great guest. Thanks for sampling one of the deep cuts into our archives.
Steve

[@rsahorn]

Good initial discussion on the comparison. Where does the community see RF Controls solution fitting in?

[@groovyc4344]

How do you pinpoint a location with 30cm or less using BT?

[@MrBeacon]

Angle of Arrival is your best bet. Checkout Quuppa.com now and in a few weeks the latest enhancements in Bluetooth 5.1