Whether it’s an Artificial Intelligence, IoT or Robotics, we have observed several technological breakthroughs. One such technology is the tracking system which is often not discussed among the geeks but is very essential for us on a daily basis. Thanks to tracking systems or devices, now recovering a lost device, stolen vehicles and even to catch a cheating husband has become easier. Keeping track of people, animals for research or valuable items has never been so simple. Today, this technology is even used by new parents for monitoring their babies. 

The majority of these devices are the result of advancements in communication technology. These devices are generally an electronic unit which has the ability to broadcast the location via signals which are monitored. It becomes an essential tool in case of emergency scenarios, rescue operations or monitoring valuable items.

Before getting any further, first, let’s point out some of the basic advantages of using tracking devices. These are as follows:

  • Saves time
  • Increases productivity
  • Better Planning
  • Increased Security & Safety
  • Real-time Monitoring
  • Prevent financial loss
  • Gives peace of mind

Different Types of Tracking Devices

1. RFID

Radio Frequency Identification or RFID for short is a technique used in numerous fields for tracking purposes. RFID generally uses tags that have an antenna and a small chip. The antenna is used for receiving or sending a radio signal and the chip is used for containing information related to broadcast. 

Anti-shoplifting

At a particular frequency, when these tags detect a signal, it absorbs the energy for responding with the encoded information. It helps the scanner to identify any items which are tagged from a feet distance. It is a very common form of tracking tool used for inventory control. For instance, RFID trackers are heavily used as anti-shoplifting tags on expensive merchandise. These are designed in such a way that it will go off when brought near the scanning bars present at the exit or the entrance of a retail store.

2. Geofencing

This form of tracking technology is more passive and may use GPS or RFID technology. Unlike many tracking technologies that regularly report its location constantly, Geofencing trackers have a receiver that can easily detect the current location. It can be done by using a radio scanner or a GPS. In case, if the tracker goes outside the designated or defined region then it leads to activating the alarm or informing about the same via a transmitter.

This technology is used in retail stores as a loss prevention scanners, as a tracking device for children, and others.

3. Internet Tracking

It is a type of tracking technology which helps users to track their laptops or other computing devices. Internet tracking is one of the best ways to find and recover stolen devices. For this purpose, various devices include a tracking system as an option in their BIOS. If it is activated, then it has the capability to report various information to the central servers whenever the device gets connected to the internet. The information may include wireless data for geographic triangulation and IP information. These are generally enough for the user to gather essential details for identifying the culprit and recover the device. 

4. Radio Tracking

Radio tracking is another powerful and popular tool for tracking purposes. It works when you add a power source to any RFID tracker. This increases the range of the signal by several folds. Also, the active trackers used for this technology responds to a wide range of signals. Additionally, for long-term tracking purposes, you have the option to set them off periodically.

Radio Tracking

It is commonly used in the field of biology, where researchers use it to tag animals for monitoring their behavior, eating pattern or health. Though radio tracking is very easy to implement but has a major con i.e. It is only capable of providing a directional signal. This means that it requires the signal strength estimation and triangulation for providing a rough location of the device.

5. Global Positioning System & Satellite Tracking

The emergence of GPS or the Global Position System was nothing less than a revolutionary. It was the main reason behind super-precise tracking devices. Any GPS receiver is designed to compare signals with a satellite network to pinpoint the location within a few meters. This helps us to get real-time positional data with super accuracy. 

gps-satellites

Its pairing with a satellite radio enables us to track the device by reporting the current location from any parts of the world in no time. This feature makes it a very important tool for rescue missions. You will often find personal tracking devices and survival devices using GPS technology for speedy operations. Today, even the majority of mobile devices are incorporated with GPS trackers.

6. Cell-Phone Triangulation

Contrary to GPS tracking, it is another essential technology used in tracking devices. It is built upon the concept which allows a provider to track the device even if your mobiles or other device lacks GPS. In this technology, when you contact 911 services or any other services for help from an unfamiliar location then your service provider can identify your location by analyzing the signal strength of different cell towers that are picking up your mobile’s location. It helps them by estimating your device’s estimate location. Though, this technology is not as effective as a GPS or in an urban environment where the signal is pretty strong; but, becomes essential in the region where signal strength is weak or the signals are echoing from different buildings making difficult for the rescuers to pinpoint the location.

Read More: How to Track a Cell phone Undetected?

Conclusion

Tracking devices are not just about finding the lost devices, preventing financial loss or tracking any individual in real-time; but are also useful for enhancing your productivity, business income and saving time. There are various tools that are already created for tracking that can be used for different purposes like business, vehicle tracking, emergency cases, tracking your employees and so much more. 

With all this, I hope, you had a clear understanding of different types of tracking technology. If you think, we missed something essential then do mention in the comment section below. And if you are wondering about the details of the functioning of these cool devices, then that’s the blog for some another day! 

Till then, Keep Exploring, Keep Reading & Keep Learning :)