As is the case with any system, attempting to add additional functions to the Wi-Fi system can cause data bottlenecks running over a shared hospital network, and cause the system to perform poorly. Additionally, Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz has been known to conflict with other hospital telemetry equipment – especially Bluetooth, which operates at the same frequency. It is also more susceptible to hacking than a self-contained RTLS infrastructure. Wi-Fi can intermittently penetrate ceilings causing RFID tag locations to display on the incorrect floors and/or vacillate between floors. Other technologies are needed (typically requiring separate infrastructures) to isolate RFID tags to the correct floors.

Many attempts have been made to augment Wi-Fi systems along the lines above to provide greater accuracy, but there is no evidence that such efforts provide greater accuracy or are less costly than installation of a dedicated RTLS system.


Alternatively, there are RTLS technologies that have proven more reliable and accurate. Research and live installations have demonstrated that using lower frequency RF to triangulate RFID tags, provides much better reliability and accuracy because the lower the frequency, the larger the electrical sine wave. The larger the sine wave, the easier it penetrates various materials of construction, and thus, provide reliable data to dramatically improve accuracy.

To further improve reliability and accuracy, additional RTLS technologies can be added to such a system. For example: Low Frequency Exciters can be added at portals for floor and choke point control. Infrared Readers can be used for room-specific granularity because infrared does not penetrate walls. Combining all three of these technologies provides the best possible accuracy and reliability. Having these three technologies on a single CAT6 cable significantly reduces installation and life cycle costs.

Utilizing a combination of the above technologies provides for nearly unlimited uses (e.g. Patient Tracking/Protection, Wireless Staff Duress, Asset Tracking, Workflow Optimization, Space Utilization/Planning, Infant Abduction, Time/Attendance, etc.).

Any organization considering an investment in an RTLS system should carefully consider the problems that they are trying to solve with such a system, understand the options available, and seek out live demonstrations of potential products. This will ensure that the system functions as envisioned, and that organizations are able to realize the benefits of a well-functioning RTLS system customized to their needs.

About the Author: Michael Maurer is CEO and president of MGM Solutions, the developer of SecurTRAK, a leader in Patented Triangulation and Intelligent Boundary Recognition software. His past positions include VP Information Systems at Medarc, IT Director at Triad Technologies and Field Engineer at Intergraph Corporation.
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