Long-Range Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) System Solutions

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Long-Range Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems

Increased Security, Efficiency and Convinience at Airports

TagMaster has supplied its RFID systems to several installations at airports around the world, resulting in increased security, efficiency and convenience for the airports and their travellers. This article will give a few examples of how the TagMaster RFID systems have benefited the operations at airports around the world.

The new TagMaster MarkTag MeM gives a reading range of 10 metres when combined with the TagMaster LR-6 Reader and a reading range of 14 metres when combined with the TagMaster LR-6 XL Reader which results in endless opportunities and interesting applications at airports around the globe.

Vehicle Access Control at Dubai International Airport

Summary
Dubai International Airport uses TagMaster AVI system for smooth traffic flow at the terminals. The TagMaster RFID technology provides hands-free access control for taxis, limousines and buses.

Challenge
The airport faced problems with private cars parking on the lanes by the terminals. This was causing congestion and problems for the taxi and bus companies. To get control of the traffic flow by the terminals, the Civil Aviation Authority decided to restrict access to the 5 entry and exit lanes of the various parking zones within the airport terminal.

A system that could identify all different types of vehicles, ranging from normal cars to limousines and buses was required. The situation of fast moving vehicles created a specific demand for a system that could identify objects at high speeds.

Solution
The solution was to use a long-range AVI system from TagMaster since a proximity system would require the bus driver to get out of the bus to reach the reader in order to be identified.

Each authorized operator applied for an ID-tag that was fixed inside the vehicle’s windscreen. The unique ID-number contained in the ID-tag represents a specific vehicle and recipient of the airport charges.

Except for the two taxi lanes, each entry and exit lanewas equipped with one barrier and one TagMaster reader. The readers were mounted on poles, 3.2 metres above the ground. Each of the two taxi lanes was equipped with one reader installed on an overhead gantry. All readers were connected to system controllers, which in turn were connected to a central host. The authorized operator is allowed a limited number of vehicles within the parking zone. Vehicles belonging to the same operator are not granted access unless those inside the parking zone have exited. Each vehicle is allowed to stay in the parking zone for 20 minutes. If the time is exceeded, the operator will be charged for the extra time.

Conclusion
Congestion has been minimized and unauthorized taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers by the terminals. As of today more than 2,200 ID-tags are in circulation. “The system is smooth and provides fast access to the entry and exit lanes for all type of vehicles. The customer, Civil Aviation Authority of Dubai, is very satisfied with the vehicle circulation around the terminal buildings”, says Ahmad A. Qader, Project Director Al Falak.

Vehicle Access Control for Private Vehicles at Arlanda Airport

Summary
The TagMaster Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) system has played an important role in the successful implementation at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The system has contributed to smooth traffic flow within the airport for private vehicles, shuttle buses and lorries. The TagMaster system is integrated as a part of the whole parking system for paying visitors at the airport. At the combined employee and long term travellers’ parking area, 9,100 employees have gained quick and convenient access to their parking area using the long range, hands-free identification system from TagMaster. The system is also used for the Swedish Aviation Authority to charge the different bus operators for the right to use the lanes by the airport terminals.

Challenge
Like many large airports, Arlanda Airport, located outside Stockholm, Sweden, has seen a dramatic expansion in vehicle and air traffic over the recent years. The Civil Aviation Authority was faced with serious problems inhandling the continuous increase in vehicle traffic by the terminals and the shortage of parking facilities for paying visitors. To make room for new buildings and improved infrastructure, the employee parking for 9,100 employees had to be moved to a more remote location requiring the use of shuttle busses. To gain the time lost due to the remote location of the employee parking, a quick and secure way for cars and shuttle buses entering and exiting the parking area was necessary.

Solution
To make the best possible use of the available land, it was decided to combine the employee car park with the long-term parking for travellers. The time-consuming distance created by the relocation of the car park, located approximately 1000 metres from the terminals and office buildings, had to be compensated to the employees. A shuttle bus service and an access system that would ensure the fastest, most convenient access to and from the parking area would do this. The TagMaster RFID system was installed at all four entry and exit gates to the parking area, and all airport employees received an ID-Tag and holder, for placement inside the windscreens of their cars.

To minimise the crowd by the airport terminals’ entrances, TagMaster readers were mounted at barriers to restrict access to the bus lanes, which prohibits unauthorised vehicles from entering the lanes by the airport terminals’ entrances.

Conclusion
Through the merging of employee and paying visitors areas, the airport authority could make efficient and economical use of valuable land in a highly developed area. By installing the TagMaster system and by giving each employee a TagMaster RFID tag, they provided a fast, convenient and safe means of access to and from the parking area. Drivers don’t even have to stop their car or wind down the window when passing the barrier. This feature is highly appreciated, especially in bad weather and during dark winter days. The installation has increased traffic flow and buses are quickly allowed entry to the terminals. The Swedish Aviation Authority has obtained a dependable and accurate way of charging the operators of the different bus routes, both regular buses and private coaches. The system is also used to allow entry for employee cars at the airport long term parking area.