How do RFID Wristbands Work in Event Applications and Examples?
RFID describes the method or process of transmitting the unique identity of a wristband (or any RFID-enabled object) using radio waves. The technology enables specialist readers or 'scanners' to capture the data on an RFID tag and transmit it to a back-end computer system without the requirement for physical contact.
When you go to music festivals, amusement parks, hotels, gyms, swimming pools, spas, etc., you may see RFID wristbands and need to use them, you may need to use it to enter, store items, purchase something, or upload photos to your Facebook account.
But do you know how do RFID Wristbands work?
RFID describes the method or process of transmitting the unique identity of a wristband (or any RFID-enabled object) using radio waves. The technology enables specialist readers or 'scanners' to capture the data on an RFID tag and transmit it to a back-end computer system without the requirement for physical contact.
When read or tap, RFID reader sends Radio Frequency (RF) signals via an antenna. The antenna radiates the RF energy, and it is absorbed by the RFID tag attached to a good or material. The tag uses the absorbed energy to “power up” and return data from the embedded chip.
No, they are different.
Although the principle of obtaining data by scanning is the same, RFID and barcode are completely different.
Below is a RFID vs Barcode Wristbands comparison table.
| RFID Wristband | Barcode Wristband | |
| Read Rate |
High throughput! Low Frequency 125Khz, and High Frequecy 13.56Mhz, thousand of wristbands can be read in just a few minutes. Ultra High Frequency 860-960Mhz, yhousands of tags can be read in just a few minutes, making it ideal for event admissions. |
Very low throughput! Barcodes can only be read once at a time. |
| Reading Direction |
Not required! If the tag is in reading range, no particular orientation is required. A RFID wristband can be read from any direction, even from the back of the tag. |
Required! Scanners need to see the barcode to have the ability to scan. The barcode must be oriented in a specific manner. Event organisers find this impractical. The barcode must stay perfectly clean to be read too. |
| Resource |
Low! RFID can be automated via a portal, or integrated gate, allowing patrons to tap their tag on entry to an event. |
High! Almost always requires human interaction to ensure accurate scanning. |
| Read/Write Capability |
Read, write, and even modify in real-time. |
Read only. |
| Durability |
High! RFID antennas can be embedded in various, non-conductive materials for protection from water, heat and knocks. |
Low! Barcodes become damaged in poor weather conditions. Barcodes need to be in perfect reading condition. |
| Security |
High! RFID is difficult to copy. Tags and the database they access can be encrypted and protected by a password. This is a reason why RFID wristbands are being used in place of paper tickets at concerts and festivals. |
Low! Easy to reproduce, copy and counterfeit. |
RFID wristbands are wearable bands containing a tiny radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. This tag allows the wristband to communicate wirelessly with readers up to 10-30 feet away. The RFID tag is composed of a small antenna and microchip that stores data. Popular materials for RFID wristbands include silicone, woven, paper, and elastic.
RFID wristbands are highly customizable with options like printed logos, color coding, and special designs. The wristbands are scanned by compatible RFID readers to access the data stored on the tag.
There are three types of tags that can be used: passive, active, and battery-assisted:
Passive – Passive RFID tags utilize energy transmitted by the reader for power and do not have a battery built-in. Passive is the most popular for large scale outdoor events and venues.
Active – Active RFID tags have an onboard battery, which transmits information regularly without requiring a reader.
Battery-Assisted – Battery-Assisted RFID tags contains a battery that only powers the tag when it’s in close proximity of a reader.
There are limits on the ranges RFID wristbands can meet, and depending on the types of event or festival, you can choose from low to ultra-high frequency.
In most applications, passive wristband is enough, and passive wristband is also the most widely used.
Please advise your application and contact us, we will recommend you the most suitable wristband for you.
You'll find that the data stored in RFID tags can include identification credentials, purchasing credits, coupons, access control into hotels or VIP areas, and even social media information.
So when you walk through a checkpoint, you can choose to have your activity or photos posted to social media automatically.
These types of information don't usually require too much data to hold them.
The biggest passive RFID tags can store up to 3720 bytes, or 3.72 kilobytes of information. This is enough to store personal data, such as someone’s name, address, credit card authorization, and identifying information.
UHF (ultra high frequency) tags store up to 8 kilobytes of information.
For access control systems, RFID tags are usually 3 kilobytes or smaller.
Using RFID technology can give organisers real-time analytics of how wearers move about and interact with your event, venue or attraction.
You can highlight busy periods, queue times, and popular attractions, helping you constantly flex and adapt to optimise the experience for your visitors.
Most RFID wristbands use passive high-frequency tags that can be used in a short distance, so they cannot track the wearer.
However, RFID can record the last known location of a person. This can be vital and useful information for understanding traffic flow and security risks at future events.
RFID technology not only helps streamline entry procedures, but also connects you to your audience to the next level.
Customers no longer need to bring wallets, tickets and personal information to participate.
People wearing RFID wristbands can enjoy the show freely.
Join with RFID technology. You can contact us to learn more and improve your event experience.
Due to the security, cost-saving and revenue increasing benefits of RFID wristband technology, many organisers are turning towards the technology to help optimise their events.
Since 2011, the live music industry in particular has adopted RFID technology inside concert wristbands to improve the experience for fans, increase security and open up new revenue streams.
1. Efficient Access Control
2. Seamless Cashless Payments
3. Personalized Guest Experiences
4. Smoother Event Management
5. Enhanced Security
6. New Marketing Opportunities
7. Optimized Operations and Labor Cost Savings
8. Enhanced Data Analytics