Part of the Network hardware glossary:

Geofencing is a feature in a software program that uses the global positioning system (GPS) or radio frequency identification (RFID) to define geographical boundaries. A geofence is a virtual barrier.  

Next Steps

Geofence programs allow an administrator to set up triggers so when a device crosses a geofence and enters (or exits) the boundaries defined by the administrator, an SMS or email alert is sent.

Many geofencing applications incorporate Google Earth, allowing administrators to define boundaries on top of a satellite view of a specific geographical area.  Other applications define boundaries by longitude and latitude or through user-created and Web-based maps.

Geofencing has many uses including:

Use Example
Mobile device management When a hospital tablet PC leaves the hospital grounds, an administrator receives notification so the device can be disabled.
Fleet management When a truck driver breaks from his route, the dispatcher receives an alert.  
Human resource management An employee smart card will send an alert to security if an employee attempts to enter an unauthorized area.
Compliance management  Network logs record geofence crossings to document the proper use of devices and their compliance with established rules.
Marketing A retail business can trigger a text message to an opt-in customer when the customer enters a defined geographical area.
Asset management An RFID tag on a pallet can send an alert if the pallet is removed from the warehouse without authorization. 
Law enforcement An ankle bracelet can alert authorities if an individual under house arrest leaves the premises.

 

See also: location-based services, geolocation, geotargeting, telemetry, machine-to-machine (M2M)

Continue reading about geofencing:

With new laws expanding HIPPA penalties, geofencing could gain traction among health IT leaders.

This was last updated in January 2011
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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