This paper investigates the potential interactions
between reader and tag anti-collision algorithms of passive RFID
(radio frequency identification) systems. Conventionally, reader
and tag anti-collision algorithms are designed by assuming that
they are independent from each other. In practice, however,
readers and tags usually operate in the same frequency band.
Therefore, contention between their transmissions can also potentially
arise. Furthermore, reader anti-collision policies directly
influence the way in which tags are activated, and thus also
the way in which they collide when responding to reader’s
requests. In view of this and considering the growing numbers of
readers and tags, independence of both schemes can not longer
be considered as a realistic assumption. This paper partially
fills this gap by proposing a new cross-layer framework for
the joint evaluation and optimization of reader and tag anticollision
algorithms. Furthermore, the paper proposes a new
approach, based on a Markov model, which allows capacity
and stability analysis of asymmetrical RFID systems (i.e., when
readers and tags experience different channel and queuing states).
The model captures the dynamics of tag activation and tag
detection processes of RFID. It also represents a first step towards
a joint design of physical (PHY) and medium access control
layers (MAC) of RFID. The results indicate that the proposed
approach provides benefits in terms of stability and capacity
over conventional solutions even when readers and tags operate
in different channels. The results also provide useful guidelines
towards the cross-layer design of future RFID platforms
