The RFID reading and writing distance is a another  distinguishing characteristic.

• short range (few cm)
  
• mid range (up to 40 cm)
  
• long range (3-9 m)

 The illustration shows a worldmap and the country specific frequency bands that RFID technology operates on. A universel frequency does not exists. That is because the frequency bands are divided differently in each country. Some use the frequency for a different application. Every band has its specific use and right to exist.

The recoverable range of RFID technology, (range between the transponder and the RFID reader) varies from a few mm up to 15 m and more. Used in applications the needed coverage depend on various factors:

• positioning of the transponders
• minimal distance of multiple transponder in use 
• speed of the transponders in the working area
  

Close-Coupling RFID systems (Nearfield)
RFID systems that have a very small reading range up to 1 cm are specified as "close-coupling systems". For accessing the data of the transponder it is neccessary to place it very close to the reading device.  These RFID systems are used in branches where high security is required and a long reading distance is not necessary. Chip card systems for payments or electronic door locks.

Remote-Coupling RFID systems (Farfield)
RFID systems that have reading ranges up to 1 m are specified as "remote-coupling systems". They work with inductive (magnetic) coupling. Remote-Coupling systems are quite common and there is a large amount of systems available on the market. Possible application can be found in areas of animal identification, contactless chipcards to industrial automation. There are a couple of norms in this field, that specify the technical parameters of the transponders and readers.  (ISO 14443 for contactless chipcards, ISO 15693 for smart labels, etc.)  transmission frequencies are below 135 kHz or 13,56 MHz.

Long-Range RFID systems
RFID systems with reading ranges over 1 m are specified as "long-range systems". There are based on the UHF frequencies 868 MHz for Europe and 915 MHz in North America, as well as on the frequencies for microwaves 2,5 GHz and 5,8 GHz. With passive (without batteries) systems ranges up to 3 m can be achieved, with active technology 15 m and more können Reichweiten um die 3 m erzielt werden, mit aktiven Systemen Reichweiten von 15 m und mehr. Active transponders can be either adjusted to send out a beacon every x hour or be activated when they are passing by a certain area.