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RFID Frequency Ranges
There are 4 major frequency ranges that RFID systems operate at. As a rule of thumb, low-frequency systems are distinguished by short reading ranges, slow read speeds, and lower cost. Higher-frequency RFID systems are used where longer read ranges and fast reading speeds are required, such as for vehicle tracking and automated toll collection. Super-high frequency (SHF) requires the use of active RFID tags.
| Frequency | Name | Range | Tag cost | Applications |
| Low-frequency (LF RFID) 125 KHz, 134 KHz |
3 feet | $1+ | Pet and ranch animal identification; car keylocks |
|
| High-frequency (HF RFID) 13.56 MHz |
NFC | 3 feet | $0.08 | library book identification; clothing identification; smart cards |
| Ultra-high freqency (UHF RFID) 433 MHz, 900-915 MHz |
RAIN | 25 feet | $0.08 | Supply chain tracking: Box, pallet, container, trailer tracking |
| Microwave/ Super-high frequency (SHF RFID): 2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHZ |
300+ feet | $40+ | Highway toll collection; vehicle fleet identification |