Optimal Deployment of Phased Array Antennas for RFID Network Planning Based on an Improved Chicken Swarm Optimization

Abstract

Effective network planning improves performance in the radio-frequency identification (RFID) system. This article proposes an optimal deployment of phased array reader antennas for RFID network planning (RNP). For practical considerations, the RNP problem is analyzed and formulated based on a multipath propagation model, where each reader is equipped with a phased array antenna. The gains and radiation directions of the antennas are adjusted by voltage states instead of gestures, reducing the cumbersome antennas redeployment. An indicator called amplitude fluctuation under narrowband (AFN) is proposed to reflect the disturbance of frequency selective fading caused by the multipath effect. To effectively address the RNP problem, an improved chicken swarm optimization algorithm with two targeted strategies is developed. Simulation and experiment comparisons with the existing algorithms demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach.