This standard defines the air interface for radiating transceiver radio tags using long wavelength signals
(kilometric and hectometric frequencies, <450 kHz). Conforming devices can have very low power
consumption (a few microwatts on average), while operating over medium ranges (0.5 to 30 meters) and at
low data transfer speeds (300–9600 bps). They are well suited for visibility networks, sensors, effectors and
battery operated displays. This standard fills a gap between non-network-based RFID standards (e.g.,
ISO/IEC CD 15961-3, ISO 18000-6C or ISO 18000-7) and existing high bandwidth network standards such
as IEEE 802.11™ and IEEE 802.15.4™.
The purpose of this standard is to define the air interface for radio tags optimized for use in visibility
networks, where presence, identity and associated data can be determined from stationary or moving tagged
items, in situ, within relatively arbitrary storage areas. ‘In situ’ in this context means that it is not necessary
to either move the tagged items into closer proximity of a reader nor to move a reader into closer proximity
of tagged items in order to identify the presence of a tag or to read or modify tag information.