Apparatus for and method of using an intelligent network and RFID signal router
Apparatuses, systems for, and methods of transporting digital signals and radio-frequency (“RF”) signals are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intelligent network (e.g., a combination router) and corresponding method are provided for transporting RF signals to, for example, an RFID antenna and transporting digital signals to, for example, a controller. In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent network is implemented with a manager unit for controlling a plurality of network devices to facilitate the efficient management of RFID-enabled devices. The network devices may include a combination router/switch, which has the capability of switching both digital data and RF data, RFID readers, RFID reader/writer pads, and other devices. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the intelligent network allows enhanced flexibility in controlling systems for interrogation of RFID antennae.
1 . A method of operating an RFID system comprising:
a) performing a self-check of operability with at least one combination router;
b) communicating results of the self-test to at least one additional component;
c) determining an antenna to be read;
d) determining an available RFID reader; and
e) determining at least one available first and second route for a first and a second signal respectively to be sent from an RFID reader to the antenna to be read.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing a self-check comprises an integrity check.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the integrity check comprises determining which input/output ports of the at least one combination router are in communication with the system.
4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the integrity check comprises identifying what device is connected to each input/output port of the at least one combination router.
5 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the integrity check is performed with real-time or logged data.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising f) selecting a first route for the first signal.
7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising g) establishing a first signal connection between the network and the first signal along the selected route.
8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising h) verifying the first signal connection between the network and the first signal along the selected route.
9 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising i) determining if the first signal connection is verified.
10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising j) repeating steps f) through i) if the first signal connection is not verified.
11 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising k) selecting a second route for the second signal if the connection is verified.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising l) establishing a second signal connection between the network and the second signal along the selected route.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising m) verifying the second signal connection between the network and the first signal along the selected route.
14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising n) determining if the second signal connection is verified.
15 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising o) repeating steps k) through n) if the second signal connection is not verified.
16 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising:
supplying power to the selected RFID reader if the second signal connection is verified; and
interrogating the antenna to be read.
17 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising storing the results of the step of interrogating the antenna to be read.
18 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising decreasing power supplied to the selected RFID reader.
19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising determining if a status update is needed.
20 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising repeating steps a) and b) if it is determined that a status update is needed.