Optimization of tag reading performance in generation-2 RFID protocol

Radio frequency identification (RFID) provides a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and contactless approach for object identification. But if there are multiple tags in the range of an RFID reader, tag collision can take place due to radio signal interference and therefore an anti-collision algorithm is required to resolve collisions. Recently, EPCglobal RFID generation-2 (Gen-2) protocol [EPCglobal Specification, EPCTM radio-frequency identity protocols class-1 generation-2 UHF RFID protocol for communications at 860 MHz–960 MHz, version 1.0.9, January 2005. Available from: ] is proposed for ultra-high frequency (UHF) passive tags and is being deployed. Gen-2 designs a slotted random anti-collision algorithm, especially, an adaptive slot-counter (Q) selection algorithm. The integer-valued parameter Q in Gen-2 plays a critical role in tag collision resolution. This adaptive algorithm dynamically adjusts the value of Q based on the type of replies from tags. In this paper, we propose an optimal Q algorithm that determines the optimal values of Q according to the number of remaining tags and in turn to optimize tag identification speed (TIS) and query success rate (QSR), respectively. It’s been demonstrated through extensive simulations that the proposed algorithm achieves higher TIS than Gen-2 adaptive Q algorithm.