Short Range Devices and the License‐Exempt RF Spectrum

Short range devices (SRDs) include radio transmitters, providing either unidirectional or bi‐directional communication, which do not cause a lot of interference for other radio equipment. The regulatory framework for SRDs, such as the decision on frequency bands that SRDs can use, is a national matter. SRDs in general operate in shared bands and are not permitted to cause harmful interference to radio services. In general, SRDs cannot claim protection from radio services, another intentional or unintentional radiator, industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or an incidental radiator. Conventional cellular technology and Wi‐Fi technology converge: converged phones can switch between conventional cellular and Wi‐Fi voice‐over‐internet‐protocol (VoIP) modes. The three case studies depicted in the three International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regions show the differences in SRDs’ RF bands, power, channel spacing, duty cycle and interference mitigation requirements. The main RFID's applications are asset management, cutting tools in computer numerical control (CNC) systems, and waste bin identification.