The IEEE recently initiated a new wireless standard, P1902.1 or Rubee. The protocol is defined today as operating below 450 Khz to enable networks of thousands of tags, each with a range of 10 to 50 feet. The protocol will use IPv4 addresses that enables remote monitoring using a simple web interface. Rubee will likely be bidirectional and peer-to-peer. The difference between Rubee and RFID, according to the IEEE, is that Rubee tags are unaffected by liquids, are unaffected by steel, and can be used underwater and underground. Among other applications, Rubee could be used for implantable medical sensors.
RuBee is unique because it is not an RF protocol, which explains why it is not being developed in the IEEE’s 802.15 working group. RuBee uses magnetic waves to generate the signal. This leads to really long battery lives because generating a signal inductively is much less power hungry that doing it with RF. Also, the antenna can be a simple coil, and it avoids many of the interference issues of RF protocols. Thus, the antennas (such as they are) are off the shelf and the signals are generally immune to noise and material. RuBee has developed in a frequency which is available for use internationally.
That said, Rubee has a lot going for it. First and most important is that there are already RuBee products out there. Companies like Visible Assets, Inc. have demonstrated the market demand.
IEEE P1902.1 Specification:
- 450 Khz
- Peer to Peer
- 10 year battery life
- 10 to 50 feet range
- Network of thousands