In a broad context, radio transmissions containing some type of
identifying information are considered Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID). This can be a cab driver using his unit
number over the air, or the call sign of a radio station. This
chapter discusses the tools, applications, and security of RFID.
RFID is about devices and technology that use radio signals to
exchange identifying data. In the usual context, this implies a
small tag or label that identifies a specific object. The action
receives a radio signal, interprets it, and then returns a
number or other identifying information. (e.g., "What are you?"
answered with "I am Inventory Item Number 12345").
Alternatively, it can be as complex as a series of
cryptographically encoded challenges and responses, which are
then interpreted through a database, sent to a global satellite
communications system, and ultimately influence a backend
payment system. Some of the current uses of RFID technology
include: • Point of Sale (POS) • Automated Vehicle Id