a method and an apparatus are provided for radio frequency identification . an rfid base unit is provided that can communicate with at least two different types of rfid tags that are commercially available . additionally , the rfid base unit can communicate with any number of devices , including but not limited to computer networks , which allow for dynamic access and updates to tailor the rfid base unit for virtually any situation . particularly , the rfid base unit would be useful in safety and / or security applications to enable and disable automated devices .