CompTIA RFID+ Certification

Topic-Level Outline

Days: 3

Prerequisites: CompTIA A+ Certification: OS Technologies, 2003 Objectives
or equivalent experience

Unit 1 : Introduction to RFID

Topic A: 0 RFID basics

A-1: Discussing RFID uses and benefits

A-2: Identifying RFID components

Unit 2 : RF physics

Topic A: 0 RF propagation

A-1: Calculating wavelength

A-2: Comparing radio frequency with wavelength

A-3: Discussing the factors affecting an RF signal

A-4: Discussing the factors affecting RF signals

A-5: Discussing communication methods

Topic B: 0 Antenna field performance

B-1: Discussing performance characteristics

B-2: Discussing reflective and absorptive materials

Topic C: 0 Radiated power output

C-1: Calculating ERP

Unit 3 : Interrogation zone basics

Topic A: 0 Interrogators

A-1: Discussing types and uses of interrogators

A-2: Understanding interrogator communication

A-3: Installing an RFID reader

A-4: Testing tag readability

Topic B: 0 Dense environments

B-1: Discussing issues related to dense environments

B-2: Discussing anti-collision protocols

Topic C: 0 Configuring interrogation zones

C-1: Affecting read rates

C-2: Using the Alien command line interface

C-3: Optimizing interrogation zones

Unit 4 : Regulations and standards

Topic A: 0 Regulations

A-1: Discussing frequency and power regulations

A-2: Discussing safety regulations

A-3: Discussing the impact of regulations

Topic B: 0 RFID standards

B-1: Discussing air interface protocols

B-2: Discussing the impact of standards

Unit 5 : Characteristics of tags

Topic A: 0 Basics of tags

A-1: Classifying tags

Topic B: 0 Components of tags

B-1: Discussing antenna types and configuration

B-2: Discussing IC and substrate

Topic C: 0 Packaging

C-1: Discussing labels, inserts, and packaging items

Unit 6 : Tag implementation

Topic A: 0 Interaction between tags and interrogators

A-1: Discussing link margin

A-2: Discussing the relation between frequency and read range

A-3: Testing read range

Topic B: 0 Factors affecting tag performance

B-1: Discussing operating frequency

B-2: Discussing packaging material

B-3: Testing read performance

Topic C: 0 Selection and placement of tags

C-1: Discussing tag orientation

C-2: Testing tag placement and orientation

C-3: Discussing movement of tags

C-4: Testing read rates with tag movement

C-5: Discussing tag stacking

C-6: Testing reads with tag stacking

Unit 7 : Site analysis

Topic A: 0 Electrical environmental conditions

A-1: Discussing the effects of signal interference on RFID systems

Topic B: 0 Physical environmental conditions

B-1: Examining site obstructions that affect the performance of RFID systems

Topic C: 0 Coverage area

C-1: Discussing the radiation pattern

Topic D: 0 Site blueprints

D-1: Reviewing the RF network architecture

D-2: Reviewing site structures and mechanical equipment

Unit 8 : Design selection

Topic A: 0 Virtual components of RFID systems

A-1: Determining the relation between virtual and hardware components of RFID systems

Topic B: 0 Hardware components of RFID

B-1: Determining frequency of operation

B-2: Selecting tag types

B-3: Selecting readers

B-4: Selecting antennas

B-5: Selecting transmission cables

B-6: Selecting reader network hardware

B-7: Selecting mounting equipment for RFID systems

B-8: Discussing protection for RFID systems

Unit 9 : Installation

Topic A: 0 Hardware installation

A-1: Discussing reader and antenna installation

A-2: Discussing grounding considerations

A-3: Discussing power sourcing and cable installation considerations

A-4: Discussing testing installed equipment

A-5: Discussing hardware safety considerations

Topic B: 0 Installing RFID systems

B-1: Installing RFID systems

Unit 10 : Monitoring and troubleshooting

Topic A: 0 Analyzing read rates

A-1: Calculating ATTV and RETR

A-2: Calculating MTBF

A-3: Discussing monitoring the RFID system

A-4: Calculating the link margin and power budget

A-5: Discussing tuning and repositioning techniques

A-6: Diagnosing failed reads

A-7: Diagnosing system hardware failure

Topic B: 0 Troubleshooting tag failure

B-1: Identifying reasons for tag failure

B-2: Evaluating tag management techniques

B-3: Analyzing IC functionalities

Topic C: 0 Troubleshooting software

C-1: Analyzing middleware

C-2: Analyzing network connectivity

Unit 11 : RFID peripherals

Topic A: 0 RFID printers

A-1: Discussing RFID printers and their properties

A-2: Discussing RFID ancillary devices

Topic B: 0 RFID enterprise systems

B-1: Discussing RTLS

B-2: Discussing WMS

Appendix A : Certification exam objectives map

Topic A: 0 Comprehensive exam objectives