RFID data to be managed right in the network

A different so-called ‘Edge’ environment that filters, aggregates and secures manufacturers’ RFID data using intelligence resident in the network infrastructure itself is being hailed by Cisco as a breakthrough. The company, which launched its intelligent AON (application-orientated network) network technology just a couple of months ago, has developed a packaged version extended specifically for RFID data. It’s aimed at solving anticipated problems of data deluge as RFID moves out of pilot projects and becomes more pervasive. Dubbed Intelligent Foundation (IF), Cisco says it’s the most agile, scalable and secure RFID solution available, also enabling network capacity to be optimised while easing infrastructure deployment and maintenance. IF could indeed be one of the keys to cutting the cost of companies getting into RFID, re-engineering their production and supply chains and getting claimed benefits like better order accuracy and processing, streamlined inventory management and increased shipment accuracy. “It’s all about being able to understand messages going across the network,” says Phil Dean, Cisco marketing manager for applications networking for Cisco. “Companies are putting voice, data and so on, on the existing IP network, and they need to ensure all that isn’t impacted.” IF does exactly that, and near the edge of the network as the RFID data is generated. That much isn’t new: several of the RFID leaders have Edge offerings for that purpose. What is new is AON’s ability to look into message content and automatically publish it on the fly to required applications. It’s also good for hostile environments – no server is required anywhere near production, warehouses etc. AON is small and robust and fits into the network infrastructure, also handling switching, routing, voice and wireless LAN. Hence the breakthrough. The system subsumes much of otherwise separate functionality, and makes overall network deployment, maintenance and management easier, thus reducing costs and effort. Says Dean: “Pilots don’t generate much traffic, but when RFID becomes more pervasive, there will be huge volumes… We’ve created a solution set that maps into the types of requirements there are in manufacturing and distribution.” Systems can be set up through Cisco partners, or Cisco’s own RFID professional services organisation. AON for RFID is due out this month.