Question 100 from UPSC CSE 2022 - S&T

Question

Consider the following communication technologies:
1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network
Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Focus on the typical operating range and technology type for each device. CCTV systems (especially wireless variants), RFID, and WLANs all employ low-power short-distance communication technologies designed specifically for confined spaces like buildings or premises. Recognizing that all three match 'short-range' operation, select option D as they all qualify.

Key Info: Short-Range Devices (SRDs) are low-power wireless devices intended for short-range communication, often indoors or within small areas, and are characterized by a low risk of interference.

- Closed-circuit Television (CCTV): While traditional CCTV can be wired, many modern systems use wireless transmitters and receivers operating over short distances, typically within a building or a complex. Wireless CCTV falls under short-range communication since its radio transmission is confined in both power and geographical coverage.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID technology enables automatic identification and tracking using radio waves. Most RFID tags are passive and are readable within a few centimeters to a few meters (short-range). Applications include access cards, inventory tracking, toll collection, and contactless payments. RFID is a canonical example of short-range wireless technology.
- Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): WLAN, commonly implemented via Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 standards), provides wireless network access within a limited area such as an office, home, or campus. Standard Wi-Fi ranges from about 30 meters indoors to a few hundred meters outdoors, clearly classifying it as short-range in comparison to cellular or wide-area technologies.

Regulators like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) include devices for alarms, remote controls, audio systems, wireless LANs, RFID, and CCTV in SRD lists. Such devices mostly operate in unlicensed ISM bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) and are strictly regulated for maximum output power and range.

Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

Consider the following communication technologies: Closed-circuit Television Radio Frequency Identification Wireless Local Area Network Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies?

Consider the following communication technologies:

Closed-circuit Television

Radio Frequency Identification

Wireless Local Area Network
Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies?