Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

MSc Degree

Assignment 2.2
IT5040 – Wireless Network and Technologies

March 2021
Group IT-B
D.N.Ayola Jayamaha - MS21900754
J.M Dulani Maheshika - MS20923556
U.D.Harshi Perera - MS20923488
Dulanji Wijekoon - MS21914300
Prabodha Manamperi - MS21901676
Tharaka Diyaguarachchi - MS21914850

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 Table of Content
Table of Content 2

Acknowledgement 3

Abstract 4

Introduction 5
Planning a Wi – Fi network 5
The wireless network planning checklist 6
How to plan Wi-Fi Network 8
General steps to Coverage and Capacity planning 8

Company Introduction 9

Coverage and Capacity Planning 10

Performing a predictive site survey 12

Predictive Site Survey Analysis Using Tamograph 15

Manual Site Survey Analysis using Acrylic Wi-Fi 21

Design the floor plan 22
Causes of Wi-Fi Interference 26

WiFi Network Design 29

References. 32

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 Acknowledgement

The success and the final outcome of this assignment required a great deal of guidance
and assistance from many parties. We have been extremely fortunate to get such
guidance and assistance throughout the assignment process. Whatever success we have
achieved through this assignment would not be possible if it wasn’t for such guidance
and assistance. Our lecturer, Mr. Thilak de Silva and our Guest Lecturer, Mr. Sudarsha
Jayawardene needs to be thanked specially for their commitment and dedication in
teaching and guiding us on Wireless Network Design. We would like to take this
opportunity to thank everyone who supported us throughout this assignment.

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 Abstract

Over the years, the Internet has become increasingly popular for a variety of purposes.
This assignment is mainly based on designing a Wi-Fi network in a corporate
environment. Wi-Fi is an alternative network system in place of wired networks, which is
commonly used for connecting devices in wireless mode. It is also a simple and
cost-effective way to connect to the internet. Access points (AP), Wi-Fi cards, safeguards
are the elements which can be categorized under a Wifi network.

Wi-Fi can be further described under two topologies.

● Peer-to-peer topology (Ad-Hoc Mode)

● AP-based topology (Infrastructure Mode)

This assignment is on the AP based topology. In an AP based topology, the client

communicates through the access points. The next chapter introduces the floor plan and
the nature of the entity to which the Wi-Fi network is designed.

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 Introduction

Wi-Fi is the name of a wireless network technology that uses radio waves to provide
wireless high-speed internet and network connection.

Wi-Fi gives the freedom to access the internet from anywhere within the signal range
and move devices around the home. Ability to access other devices connected to the
network. Freedom from the hussle of installing wired connection in different rooms.

1. It is a wireless LAN
2. Allows to computers to connect to the internet without wires
3. Allows the router to be cordless.
4. The network is connected through an access point to the internet.

Planning a Wi-Fi network

Firstly, we have to verify the business needs to implement a wireless network. And then
plan the wireless coverage area according to the business needs. After that plan how
many Access points will be needed to equally distribute maximum bandwidth to users as
well as determine what hardware that will be needed to implement the wireless
network.

Steps :
1. Verify the business need
2. Determine the coverage area
3. Plan bandwidth utilization (Capacity Planning)
4. Make hardware requirements list
5. Perform a site survey
6. Implement security
7. Deploy.

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The wireless network planning checklist

Coverage - The first, somewhat obvious phase in wireless network planning is to define

where the organization needs coverage. This step includes looking into geographical

considerations, like site locations, but also extends to environmental and seasonal

factors.

Capacity - The next step is to estimate your organization's expected growth. Find out how

many users are currently on the network and how many might join in the near future.

The IT team shouldn't hesitate to ask about the possibility of any business acquisitions

that could add new network users. This step is also when the team should look into the

types of applications that the network needs to support now and in the next few years .

Applications - The third phase is to dive deeper into the organization's application

requirements. The IT team should do their best to ensure the network is aligned with

business priorities, including mission-critical applications and workflows. These

considerations could also include mobile support, workforce policy updates, marketing

initiatives and guest Wi-Fi. Also, the team shouldn't forget to evaluate data-heavy and

bandwidth-intensive applications, like IoT and video streaming.

Security - Although security planning can be hard, organizations can still benefit from the

planning process and take steps to secure the wireless network. Look into security

features like wireless intrusion prevention and detection, two-layer authentication,

role-based access and firewalls.

Simplicity - The fifth phase in wireless network planning is to simplify, specifically when

looking into management. The IT team can benefit from automation that assists with

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troubleshooting and reduces time spent on menial, routine management tasks. It is

advised that the team needs to evaluate management systems that offer GUIs with easy

navigation and provide granular information about APs, rogue devices and guest Wi-Fi

registration, among other considerations.

Redundancy - The IT team should then focus on how to support the business in case

something goes wrong with the network. Determine how to ensure redundancy for cloud

connectivity and edge devices, in addition to traditional facility components.

Network Integration - This phase of wireless network planning helps teams pinpoint

end-to-end network visibility and integration needs. For example, next-generation APs

that support the newest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ax, require 60 kilowatts of power, but

most current Power over Ethernet (PoE) options don't yet support that number.

Management - The next step is to further examine the management system. Consider

how your network management platform handles all the different network components,

whether it's APs, switches or software-defined WAN management

Site survey - After the IT team addresses these steps and creates a wireless design that

meets their needs, it is advised they conduct a site survey. Wireless site surveys differ in

type, with passive, active and predictive inspections available as hardware or software

options. But each type helps organizations determine AP position, radiofrequency,

capacity, quality of service and other metrics.

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How to plan Wi-Fi Network

1. Coverage and Capacity planning

2. Performing and Predictive site survey
3. Performing a manual site survey

General steps to Coverage and Capacity planning

01. How many clients will be online?

That means how many clients use the network at the same time.

02. What are the types of clients?

Types of the clients that means users types can be different. Some clients can
have android or else mac but some can have windows likewise have to check those
details also.

03. What applications will be used?

What are the applications all the clients use from the user networks?

04. How mobile are the users?

Are all the users being in the same place at all the time or else will they move.

05. How fast will the throughput be?

What are the applications use and how fast they need to do the works

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 Company Introduction

Master’s Finder Company (WFC), an entity engaged in the business of web development,
was selected as a suitable corporate environment to design the WiFi network. Ten to
fifteen people are employed in WFC. Every staff member is allocated a Wifi connected
device to perform their day today tasks. Further, the entire floor area of WFC is covered
by one WiFi access point.

MFC is a one-story building which consists of a boardroom which includes a TV and an AC

machine, washroom and one file rack. In addition, there is a printer machine which works
with WiFi and assigned to thirteen electrical devices assembled on separate working
tables.

Further, there are four AC machines that cover the entire floor area.

Below is the floor plan of MFC for which the WiFi network was designed.

Floor Plan of Master’s Finder web development company [1]

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 Coverage and Capacity Planning

Initially the actual floor area that is expected to be covered through the Wifi network was
identified. As mentioned above, actual coverage area was identified by referring to the
predictive and manual surveys carried out. Coverage is very important but at present
mobility is really about the capacity. This process requires the identification of the
number of end users, number of devices and the types of applications that will be used
within the network.

The next step was to cover the capacity planning.

By conducting a few analyses, it was identified that 13 employees of MFC will use the
online facilities in performing their day-to-day tasks.

Listed below are the devices that will be connected to the Wifi network at any time
during the working hours.

● Personal Computers (Development) Hp -8

● Laptops (Development) Mac Pro -5
● Mobile Phones - 13
● Epson Wireless Projector at Conference Hall -01
● Canon Wireless Printer -1

During the capacity planning, the next step was to identify the applications that are used
by the above devices while connected to the network.

The identified applications are listed below.

● Internet browser
● Skype
● Zoom
● Email Clients
● Meeting arrangements
● Git – 10

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 ● Jira -10
● MySQL -2
● Eclipse -3
● Xcode -5
● IntelliJ -6

As the next step, it was identified the areas in which the devices were placed. Mobile
phones of each employee are expected to be placed within a 10m radius and laptops are
expected to be placed in the cubicles or inside the conference room.

Next step was to plan the actual throughput of the Wifi network design. It is important to
decide the volume of data that can be transferred between locations at a given point in
time. Throughput was also used to measure the performances of hard drives, RAM and
internet and network connections.

Using the above it was identified that a fiber line that generates a speed of 100Mbps,
was required for the throughput.

Based on the above requirements, SLT and Dialog were recommended as the two
network providers. As a result, the network will have a minimum probability for a loss in
internet connection. If the internet connection from one service provider fails the
network connection will be restored by the other service provider.

There is a very low probability for a loss in internet services provided by both services
providers at the same time.

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Performing a predictive site survey

Virtual survey of the site or facility that uses pertinent information about the site to plan
the wireless network. Building floor plans are loaded into predictive site survey software
to develop a wireless network design.

The ultimate goal of a wireless site survey is to determine the number and placement of
access points (or mesh nodes) that provides adequate signal coverage throughout a
facility or city area. With most implementations, “adequate coverage” means support of
a minimum data rate or throughput. In order to perform a successful survey, you’ll need
to relate the required performance to a value that survey tools measure, such as SNR. A
wireless site survey also detects the presence of RF interference coming from other
sources that could degrade the performance of the wireless LAN.

conducting a wireless site survey, consider the following:

1. Understand the wireless requirements. In order to identify optimum locations for

access points or mesh nodes, you must have a good understanding of specific
requirements for the network that impacts signal coverage. For example,
maximum range between a client device and the access point decreases as data
rate and resulting performance increases. Thus, you need to know the target data
rates (and throughput) to correctly interpret survey results. Also, client devices
may have relatively low transmit power, which must be taken into consideration
when using most site survey tools. Be sure to identify the technologies that the
network will implement, such as 802.11g or 802.11n, and perform the survey
with these technologies in mind.
2. Obtain a facility diagram. Before getting too far with the site survey, locate a set
of building blueprints or city maps. If none are available, prepare a drawing that
depicts the location of walls, walkways, etc. Site survey tools import diagrams in
various image formats. Of course, mapping software is a good source for outdoor
city surveys. If all else fails for in-building surveys, consider taking a digital
photograph of the fire escape diagram, which is usually present on hallway walls.

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 3. Visually inspect the facility. Walk through the facility before performing any
testing to verify the accuracy of the facility diagram. This is a good time to note
any potential attenuation barriers that may affect the propagation of RF signals.
For example, a visual inspection will uncover obstacles to signals such as metal
racks and partitions, items that blueprints generally don’t show. Also, note
possible locations for mounting access points, such as above ceiling tiles or on
pillars. For outdoor city environments, you should carefully assess the locations
and availability of street lights and water towers for mounting mesh nodes and
backhaul equipment. These actions will make the later testing efforts go much
more smoothly.
4. Assess existing network infrastructure. Determine the capacity of any existing
wired networks that can interface the access points or mesh nodes. Most
buildings have Ethernet and, in some cases, optical fiber networks. Check on how
much of the existing networks can be made available for supporting the wireless
network. This will aid designers later on in the deployment when defining the
architecture and bill of materials for the wireless network.
5. Identify coverage areas. On the facility diagram or city map, indicate all areas
where coverage is needed, such as offices, hallways, stairwells, utility rooms,
bathrooms, break rooms, patios, parking garages, and elevators. Also, identifying
where users will not have wireless coverage is important to avoid wasting time
surveying unnecessary areas. Keep in mind that you might get by with fewer
access points and lower equipment costs if you can limit the roaming areas.
6. Determine preliminary access point locations. By considering the location of
wireless users and range estimations of the wireless LAN products you’re using,
approximate the locations of access points that will provide adequate coverage
throughout the user areas. Plan for some propagation overlap (generally 25
percent) among adjacent access points, but bear in mind that channel
assignments for access points will need to be far enough apart to avoid
inter-access point interference. Be certain to consider mounting locations, which
could be vertical posts or metal supports above ceiling tiles. Recognize suitable
locations for installing the access point, antenna, and data / PoE cable. Also think
about different antennas when deciding where to position access points. An

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 access point mounted near an outside wall, for example, could be a good location
if you use a patch antenna with relatively high gain oriented within the facility.
7. Verify access point locations. This is when the site survey testing begins. Most
wireless LAN vendors provide wireless site survey software that identifies the
associated access point, data rate, signal strength, and signal quality. You can load
this software on a laptop and test the coverage of each preliminary access point
location. Alternately, you can use a third-party site survey tool available from
several different companies, such as Air Magnet, Berkeley Varitronics Systems,
and Ekahau. Install an access point at each preliminary location, and monitor the
site survey tool readings by walking varying distances away from the access point.
There’s no need to connect the access point to the distribution system because
the survey tests merely ping the access point or read the beacon signal strength.
Very important: Definitely consider the SNR range boundary and uplink signal
strength when interpreting the results. To make the access point easy to move
about the facility, you can mount it on a pole attached to a cart with a battery and
DC/AC converter. Otherwise, you’ll need to haul around an extension cord and
always be looking for where to plug in for power (not recommended). Take note
of performance or signal readings at different points as you move to the outer
bounds of the access point coverage. In a multi-floor facility, perform tests on the
floor above and below the access point. Keep in mind that a poor signal quality
reading could indicate that RF interference is affecting the wireless LAN. This
would warrant the use of a spectrum analyzer to characterize the interference,
especially if there are no other indications of its source. Based on the results of
the testing, you might need to reconsider the location of some access points and
redo testing for the affected locations.
8. Document findings. Once you’re satisfied that the location of access points
you’ve identified will provide adequate signal coverage, document your findings
on the facility diagrams by depicting the location of each access point. The
installers will need this information.

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Predictive Site Survey Analysis Using Tamograph

Tamograph was used to perform predictive survey analysis.Below are the steps followed
during the process of predictive survey analysis.[4]

Step 1: Calibrating the floor plan

Step 2: Heat Map Before setting up APs and Marking Brick wall, Exterior Concrete Wall,
Interion Office window and Hollow Wood Door

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Step 3: Covering area of APs without marking Brick wall, Exterior Concrete Wall , Interion
Office window and Hollow Wood Door

Step 4: Visualizing Signal Level of APs without marking Brick wall, Exterior Concrete Wall,
Interion Office window and Hollow Wood Door.

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Step 5: Marking Brick wall, Exterior Concrete Wall, Interion Office window and Hollow
Wood Door.

Brick wall

Exterior Concrete Wall

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Interion Office window

Hollow Wood Door

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Step 6: Coverage area after making Bridge wall, Exterior Concrete Wall, Interion Office
window and Hollow Wood Door

Step 7: Covering area of APs after marking Brick wall, Exterior Concrete Wall , Interion
Office window and Hollow Wood Door

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Step 8: Visualizing Signal Level of APs after marking Brick wall, Exterior Concrete Wall,
Interion Office window and Hollow Wood Door.

In the predictive site survey we have come up with 3 Access Points on the floor plan as
shown in the above diagram. One is in the UI division, Second in the boardroom and the
third is also on the UI division.

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Manual Site Survey Analysis using Acrylic Wi-Fi
When the highest degree of accuracy is required for your mission-critical applications,
there is no substitute for a professional-grade manual site survey. Only by thoroughly
sampling for not only signal strength, but signal-to-noise ratio, interference, along with
data rates and throughput can problems be identified, such as dead spots, co-channel
interference from internal and external access points, and not having enough capacity
per access point.

Without gathering the correct information and then knowing - through extensive training
and experience - how to make the necessary adjustments or recommendations, a
wireless network design that can reliably support latency-sensitive, mission-critical
applications is nearly impossible to achieve.

Having too many access points can be as detrimental as having too few due to co-channel
interference. A strong signal strength means little if the noise floor is so high the wireless
devices cannot reliably communicate, making testing a signals viability through SNR
(signal-to-noise ratio) critical. Even if coverage is adequate, certain areas may overwhelm
the capacity of a single access point.

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Design the floor plan
Then it is needed to design the floor plan using a design software. Visual Paradigm was
chosen to design the floor plan.

Next need to do the predictive site survey

● Load the predictive site survey into the site survey software (Acrylic Wi-Fi heat
map)
● Create the wall concrete, brick or else hardboard

Concrete Wall

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 Dry walls insert

Wood walls setting

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And also, in this step have to create the glass doors and as well as the walls. After
creating the walls and doors can move to the Adding Access Point part

● Firstly we have to select the places where we have to put the access points. (Due
to the unlicensed software use it gives only 4 access points) all those places have
to cover the whole building.

● Run the Site survey and check if all the points get covered or not. Due to the wall
type, some areas will not be covered as well as to check about the strength to all
apps. As well as after entering the Access Point have to check about the
interference and signal ratio also.
● If there are any mistakes we have to reposition the access point to get the
maximum advantages. High speed is sometimes required for some of the apps.

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Due to the limitations of the selected free software (all the other software has to pay)
had to manage the building with the four Access Points. Therefore, by changing the
positions of Access Points finally get the best signal to interference ratio. By using Acrylic
Wi-Fi Home can get the network strength as well.

Causes of Wi-Fi Interference

Due to some kind of reasons our Wi-Fi network becomes slow or else becomes
disconnected.

● Physical Barriers.
● Frequency Interference.

Wireless Devices – Technically speaking, any other devices that transmit or receive a
wireless signal is capable of causing interference to signal, so look to things like wireless
speakers, baby monitors, walkie talkies, garage door openers.

1. Everyday Appliances like microwaves and fluorescent lights, power cables &

adapters etc. They emit signals that can interfere with your Wi-Fi.

2. Wireless Devices including wireless headsets, keyboards, mice, activity trackers,

cordless phones, baby monitors etc. Just like the appliances above, the wireless

signals they use to communicate with other devices can slow things down… a lot.

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 3. Household Gadgets commonly used, such as video game controllers, wireless

security cameras, radar motion detectors, analog audio systems can be a major

cause of interference.

4. Building Materials: In general, dense materials such as concrete, metal and stone

are not good for wireless signals. Reflective surfaces such as mirrors and foil

found in modern housing insulation can cause erratic WiFi signals.

5. Neighboring Wi-Fi Networks: The growth in Wi-Fi network density, especially in

populated areas has increased interference among wireless networks. Strong

Wi-Fi signals in close proximity to each other can reduce the performance of both

networks. New Public Wi-Fi networks are adding to this form of interference.

What are the techniques that can be used to fix the interference?

1. Relocate your wireless router away from nearby routers, appliances and dense

building materials.

2. Unplug the appliances and devices when not in use

3. Avoid using too many wireless gadgets at the same time within close proximity of

each other.

4. Try using different wireless frequency (5GHz vs. 2.4GHz) and/or a different

wireless band.

5. Consider upgrading your wireless router or at the very least upgrading the

firmware (newer technologies and configurations can avoid the susceptibility of

earlier solutions)

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Used Software

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 WiFi Network Design

In designing the WiFi network for MFC, the initial step was to gather all the requirements
for the design.

MFC consists of one boardroom which includes a TV, wireless Projector and an AC
machine, a washroom and a file rack. It also consists of a printer machine which is
assigned to thirteen electrical devices. Ten to fifteen people are working at MFC at any
given time.

When designing the WiFi network, The following main steps were carried out;

● Step 01 - The Coverage and capacity planning

● Step 02 - Predictive site survey using tamograph
● Step 03 - Manual site survey using Acrylic

As the initial step, coverage and the capacity planning were performed. As explained
above, the number of online clients, types of clients, applications used by the clients, the
mobility of the users and the speed of the throughput were identified during the process.

As planned, the next step was to perform the predictive survey analysis using tamograph.
Then, the manual site survey was performed using Acrylic. Through the site surveys
interferences occurred during the process, were identified. Interference occurred due to
wifi and non wifi sources. Due to security cameras, bluetooth, cordless phones some
interference occurred while conducting the survey to design the wifi network. Also, we
faced some interferences due non wifi sources like wood, Concrete, Metal and mirror.

In order to overcome security issues here we have given authentication to access the
devices for every user of the organization. Further we have allocated different networks
for the staff, clients and guests such as people coming for interviews. The separation of
the network gives rise to a highly secure design.

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Below is the network diagram for the proposed floor plan with the three Access Points.

The three Access Points give good coverage to the floor plan with a reasonable signal
strength over the area. In the final design the three access points are situated as shown
on the diagram above. If we position the Wi-Fi Access Points as shown we can get a good
network coverage design that meets the requirements of the Company.

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References.

[1] Online.visual-paradigm.com. 2021. Visual Paradigm Online -Suite of Powerful Tools.

[online] Available at: <https://online.visual-paradigm.com/> [Accessed 12 March 2021].

[2] ElProCus - Electronic Projects for Engineering Students. 2021. Introduction to Wireless
Sensor Networks Types and Applications. [online] Available at:
<https://www.elprocus.com/introduction-to-wireless-sensor-networks-types-and-applicatio
ns/> [Accessed 12 March 2021].

[3] Quora.com. 2021. What are the advantages of wireless sensor network? What are the
disadvantages? - Quora. [online] Available at:
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he-disadvantages> [Accessed 12 March 2021].

[4] Tamos.com. 2021. Site Survey Tool - TamoGraph - Active Survey Configuration. [online]
Available at: <https://www.tamos.com/htmlhelp/tg/active_survey_configuration.htm>
[Accessed 12 March 2021].

[5] RFID systems for manufacturing, assets, lifting & logistics. 2021. Benefits of RFID - Why
do you need RFID Solutions?. [online] Available at:
<https://www.corerfid.com/rfid-technology/what-is-rfid/benefits-of-rfid/> [Accessed 12
March 2021].

[6] Shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in. 2021. Shodhganga : a reservoir of Indian theses @

INFLIBNET. [online] Available at:
<https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/22912/7/07_chapter_01.pdf>
[Accessed 12 March 2021].

[7] Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. 2021. Basic knowledge of RFID | RFID Solution | Murata
Manufacturing. [online] Available at:
<https://solution.murata.com/en-global/service/rfid-solution/basic/> [Accessed 12 March
2021].

[8] notes, e., 2021. RFID Standards - ISO IEC EPCglobal » Electronics Notes. [online]
Electronics-notes.com. Available at:
<https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/connectivity/rfid-radio-frequency-identification/
standards-iec-iso-epcglobal.php> [Accessed 12 March 2021].

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