Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How can Ambient reduce the Total Cost of Ownership for active RFID technology by 75%?
   There are a number of factors that contribute to this reduction. First, the hardware costs for Ambient MicroRouters are much lower than traditional active RFID readers. Second, our networks are extremely easy to install and maintain, as they are self-organizing and MicroRouters require so little energy that they can be powered by batteries. Finally, there is no need for an expensive software application such as a Location Engine, as real-time location capability is an integrated part of our network protocol.
   
   
2. Q: How can Ambient provide real-time locating capability without separate localization software?
   Ambient SmartPoints have the capability to determine their own location in the network (in three dimensional coordinates). SmartPoints use a combination of RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) and other techniques to calculate their own position. This innovative approach removes the need for a separate localization engine.
   
   
3. Q: What do you mean by Third Generation Active RFID?
   Active RFID has been around for many years, but with constant innovation. The first generation became successful in the 1990's and focused on tracking high-value assets such as containers at specific points in the supply chain. The functionality of first generation active RFID tags was similar to passive tags, but with a read range of approximately 50 meters. The second generation, which as been available for a number of years, added the capability to location physical objects in real-time, for example in a warehouse or hospital. With the Product Series 3000, Ambient introduces the third generation active RFID solutions. Key characteristics include the additional capabilities of the active RFID tag - which we call SmartPoint - and the benefits of wireless mesh networking.
   
   
4. What are the main advantages of Ambient Product Series 3000 compared to traditional active RFID and RTLS solutions?
   The advantages can be split in two areas: the SmartPoint and the wireless infrastructure. SmartPoints provide much more capabilities than traditional active RFID tags. Instead of collecting high volume of irrelevant data, SmartPoints only report relevant business events. This enables Management by Exception and a real-time response to potential business problems. On the infrastructure side, we provide a self-organizing wireless mesh network. These wireless networks significantly reduce the Total Cost of Ownership compared to other active RFID solutions. In addition, they make it much easier to install and use our networks in dynamic environments, such as on trucks and trains and in military applications.
   
   
5. Q: At what frequency do Ambient networks operate?
   Ambient Products Series 3000 operates at the globally available 2.4 Ghz bandwidth. Our Product Series 800, which was our first product line for wireless monitoring applications, operates in the UHB bandwidth (868 Mhz in Europe).
   
   
6. Q: What is the typical battery life of a SmartPoint?
   The battery life of a SmartPoint in a typical application is three years. However, the battery life may differ significantly on the type of application. The capabilities of the SmartPoint can be used to extend the life time. For example, instead of sending a temperature measurement every five minutes, a SmartPoint can send a temperature measurement only when the measurement is different from previous measurements.
   
   
7. Q: How does Ambient differ from ZigBee?
   Ambient and ZigBee are both based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, and as a result share some common features. For example, they both operate at the globally available 2.4 GHz bandwidth and provide a data rate of 250 kbits/second. However, Ambient and ZigBee were designed for very different applications, and as a result provide many fundamentally different features. Ambient's Product Series 3000 was designed for applications in transport and logistics. As a consequence, our products include real-time localization, scalability to networks with thousands of SmartPoints, and a very dynamic network configuration with no binding between SmartPoints and MicroRouters. In contrast, ZigBee has been defined for application such as home automation. These application s are normally smaller scale and more static.
   
   
8. Q: Can Ambient networks integrate with my existing enterprise applications?
   Yes. Ambient Studio provides a standards-based API called Device Driver Interface with dozens of functions, through which users can integrate a wide variety of data.
   
   
9. Q: Does Ambient have a channel program? How do I become a reseller?
   Ambient sells its products exclusively through channel partners. Members of the Ambient Partner Program benefit from significant discounts, sales support, co-marketing and training opportunities. Please email sales@ambient-systems.net to learn more.
   
   
10. Q: What kind of experience does Ambient have in this market?
    Ambient has been a pioneer in the field of wireless sensor networks since 2004. Our networks are already operational at more than 100 locations worldwide, ranging from wireless temperature monitoring in supermarkets, to on-site safety in warehouses and monitoring the conditions of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Our company and products have been awarded and recognized by many organizations and publications.