Chances are, if you’ve visited a festival, water park, hotel or convention in the last couple of years, you've probably worn an RFID wristband. But how do RFID wristbands work?
You might have even used an RFID bracelet to tap and pay for drinks or post a photo to your Facebook account.
Not quite following me?
Well, here at ID&C, we receive lots of questions about RFID technology; how it works and more importantly, what the benefits are for event organizers.
So, we wanted to explain it plain and simple. A beginner's guide if you will. An 'RFID wristband 101', if you please...
What is RFID?
RFID describes the method or process of transmitting the unique identity of an RFID 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.
How RFID Scanning Works
The wristband contains a tiny RFID chip, which holds data such as a unique identifier, access permissions, contact details, account information, payment details, medical records or other relevant details. The antenna connected to the RFID chip transmits and receives radio frequency signals
When read (or 'tapped'), an RFID scanner will transmit an encoded radio signal which identifies a tag. In less than a millisecond, RFID tags receive the transmission and respond with a unique identification number. The RFID reader captures the transmitted data and processes it. Depending on the application, the reader may grant access, process payments, update records, or trigger specific actions based on the received information.
The simplest everyday comparison to RFID is a barcode on a can of soda.
When scanned, the barcode talks to a database of information relating to the soda. Details, including product name, price, weight, and use-by date are unlocked when a barcode is read.
Are RFID Wristbands the Same as Barcode Wristbands?
No. Not even close.
While the principle of retrieving data via scanning is the same, the similarities between an RFID bracelet and a barcode end there.
I could write at length about the differences, but this handy table provides a quick overview.
RFID vs Barcode Wristbands Comparison Table
| RFID Wristband | Barcode Wristband | |
| Read Rate | High throughput. Thousands of tags can be read in just a few minutes, making it ideal for event admissions. | Very low throughput. Codes can only be one at a time. |
| Line of Sight | Not required. If the tag is in reading distance, no particular orientation is required. An 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 direction. Event organizers 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. Bar codes 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. | Low. Easy to reproduce, copy, and counterfeit. Barcode concert tickets can be easily faked - here's how to check if they're genuine. |
Inside an RFID Wristband
An RFID wristband contains a 'smart tag' made up of an RFID chip and antenna. The tag can be in the form of a visible SmartCard (often made from plastic for durability), or it can be hidden or 'embedded' in other wristband materials like silicone and cloth.
If you are looking at specific materials, it's important to note that an RFID silicone wristband is exclusively provided for the hospitality and attractions industries, such as hotels and resorts, and theme parks. We discontinued our line of non-RFID charity/awareness bracelets in the U.S. in 2023 to focus entirely on these advanced access technologies.
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 on-board battery, which transmits information regularly without requiring a reader.
- Battery-Assisted – Battery-Assisted RFID tags contain a battery that only powers the tag when it’s in proximity of a reader.
There are limits on the ranges an RFID bracelet can meet, and depending on what type of event or festival you are planning, you can choose options from low to ultra-high frequency.
How Much Data Can an RFID Wristband Store?
The types of data you will find stored on RFID tags can include identification credentials, purchasing credits, coupons, access control into hotels or VIP areas, and even social media information.
Additionally, we can include NDEF encoding on an RFID wristband for digital business cards or promos. So when you walk through a checkpoint, you can choose to have your activity or photos posted to social media automatically, or tap your phone to the band to open a specific webpage.
These types of information don’t usually require too much data to hold. The biggest passive RFID tags can store up to 3720 bytes, or 3.72 kilobytes of 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.
What Data Can an RFID Wristband Collect?
Using RFID technology gives organizers 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 optimize the experience for your visitors.
Can RFID wristbands be used as a Tracking Device?
Most RFID wristbands use passive tags that operate at high frequency; as such, it is impossible to track a wearer's location as the tags are limited to very short distances. 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.
Transforming Your Venue
Not only does RFID technology help streamline entry, but it also connects you with your audience on a new level. Patrons no longer have to carry wallets, tickets, and personal information just to participate. Ticket-holders can enjoy the show with a feeling of freedom.
RFID Jargon Buster
Tag / Chip: Embedded in a wristband, a tag (chip) passes information, allows entry, and even payment of goods by communicating with an RFID scanner via intelligent radio signals.
Reader / Scanner: Scanners (readers) are usually positioned at entrances and exits, as well as VIP zones and other areas inside an event, and communicate with a tag (chip) to carry out a task such as allowing entry, or opening a locker.
Benefits of RFID for Events
Due to the security, cost-saving, and revenue-increasing benefits of RFID wristband technology, many organizers are turning towards the technology to help optimize 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.
Infographic from 2013 showing the use of RFID at music festivals.
Some benefits include:
- Reduce queues
- Eliminate theft and fraud
- Build better connections with sponsors
- Go cashless
- Increase attendee engagement on-site
- Create an experience
- Collect real-time analytics
- Simplify the check-in process
- Expand the VIP experience
- Give people something to remember
Conclusion
The frictionless RFID technology is growing in popularity for events, venues, and attractions due to the improved customer experience and ability to streamline operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How secure are RFID wristbands for event access control?
They are incredibly secure. Unlike traditional Tyvek wristbands or barcodes that can be easily photocopied, an RFID wristband contains an encrypted microchip. The data cannot be copied, duplicated, or altered by unauthorized devices, virtually eliminating counterfeit credentials.
How do LED concert bracelets work?
LED concert wristbands work on the principle of infrared signals and consist of battery-operated LEDs and signal receptors. When the light operator at the concert venue controls the overall lighting, infrared signals are sent out that are read by the signal receptors on the wristband. These LED bracelets can also be equipped with RFID tags for access control.
What’s the difference between RFID and NFC wristbands
Both operate on the principle of transmitting data through radio frequency. However, one major difference is the communication range. While data stored in an RFID bracelet can sometimes be read from a longer distance, NFC is perfect for short-range data transfer and can be read using an NFC-enabled smartphone. Read our RFID vs NFC comparison to know more.
Can an RFID silicone wristband be used as a GPS tracking device?
No. Because passive tags lack an internal battery and long-range broadcasting capabilities, an RFID silicone wristband cannot be used to track a person's exact physical location in real-time like a GPS device. It only registers when tapped or passed very closely by a reader.
How much data can an RFID bracelet store?
Depending on the specific chip type, passive tags generally store between 1 to 8 kilobytes of data. For standard access control, NDEF promos, and cashless payment systems, an RFID bracelet typically only needs about 1 to 3 kilobytes to securely store encrypted identifiers and account links.
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