Setup RFID Reader
Complete guide for configuring RFID readers, setting up MQTT communication, and placing readers on facility maps for optimal coverage and performance. This comprehensive setup ensures reliable asset tracking throughout your facility.
Reader Configuration
Supported RFID Readers
Fixed Readers
- Impinj R700 Series RAIN RFID Readers: Enterprise-grade, 4-port readers
- Zebra FX9600: High-performance fixed RFID reader
- ThingMagic M7: Compact embedded reader module
- Alien ALR-9900+: Industrial-grade reader
Handheld Readers
- Zebra MC3330R: Integrated RFID handheld
- Chainway C72: Android-based RFID handheld
- TSL 1128: Bluetooth UHF reader
- Nordic ID HH85: Rugged handheld reader
Basic Configuration Parameters
Network Settings
192.168.1.100
Static IP recommended for fixed readers
5084
LLRP standard port
RF Configuration
30.0 dBm
Max power for long range
S0
For portal applications
Dual Target
A→B continuously
Antenna Configuration
Entry Zone
30 dBm
Exit Zone
30 dBm
Side Coverage
25 dBm
Disabled
0 dBm
Advanced Settings
Tag Filtering
30340000*
Filter by EPC prefix
-70 dBm
Minimum signal strength
1000 ms
Time window for duplicates
GPIO Triggers
Motion Sensor Trigger
Start reading on motion
Light Stack Green
Success indicator
Alarm/Buzzer
Alert on unauthorized
Important: Always start with lower power settings (20-25 dBm) and gradually increase to avoid interference and false reads from adjacent zones. Test thoroughly at each power level.
MQTT Setup & Configuration
MQTT Broker Configuration
Connection Settings
mqtt://192.168.1.50:1883
inventrack-reader-01
60 seconds
Authentication
rfid_client
••••••••••••
Enabled (Port 8883)
Topic Structure
Tag Read Events
rfid/readers/{reader_id}/tags
{
"reader_id": "READER-01",
"antenna": 1,
"epc": "3034257BF469D31000001039",
"rssi": -54,
"timestamp": "2024-01-15T10:30:45.123Z",
"location": "warehouse-entry"
}
Reader Status
rfid/readers/{reader_id}/status
{
"reader_id": "READER-01",
"status": "online",
"temperature": 45.2,
"uptime": 3600,
"antenna_status": [true, true, false, false],
"timestamp": "2024-01-15T10:30:00.000Z"
}
Control Commands
rfid/readers/{reader_id}/command
{
"command": "start_reading",
"duration": 30,
"antennas": [1, 2],
"power": 27.5
}
Quality of Service (QoS) Levels
QoS 0 - At Most Once
Fire and forget, no acknowledgment
Use for: High-frequency tag reads, status updates
QoS 1 - At Least Once
Guaranteed delivery with possible duplicates
Use for: Important events, zone transitions
QoS 2 - Exactly Once
Guaranteed single delivery, highest overhead
Use for: Critical alerts, audit events
Tip: Use MQTT Explorer or similar tools to monitor message flow during initial setup. This helps verify that readers are publishing data correctly and InvenTrack is receiving messages.
Reader Placement on Map
Strategic Placement Guidelines
Portal/Doorway Installation
- • Mount 4-6 feet from ground
- • Antennas facing inward at 45°
- • Overlapping coverage zones
- • Power: 25-28 dBm typically
Wide Area Coverage
- • Ceiling mount 8-12 feet high
- • Circular polarized antennas
- • 20-30% coverage overlap
- • Power: 20-25 dBm for zones
Coverage Calculation
Read Range Formula
Approximate read distance:
Range = λ/(4π) × √(EIRP × Gr × τ/Pth)
λ = wavelength, EIRP = effective power, Gr = tag gain
Typical Ranges
- 30 dBm: 25-30 feet
- 27 dBm: 18-22 feet
- 24 dBm: 12-15 feet
- 20 dBm: 6-8 feet
Environmental Factors
- • Metal: -10 to -15 dB loss
- • Water/Liquid: -20 dB loss
- • Glass: -3 to -5 dB loss
- • Concrete: -10 to -12 dB loss
Interactive Map Placement Process
-
1
Upload Floor Plan
Import CAD drawings or image files of your facility layout
-
2
Define Zones
Draw boundaries for different areas (warehouse, office, loading dock)
-
3
Place Readers
Drag and drop reader icons onto the map at installation points
-
4
Configure Coverage
Adjust power levels and see real-time coverage visualization
-
5
Validate & Test
Run coverage analysis to identify gaps or overlaps
Best Practices for Optimal Coverage
DO's
- Test coverage with actual tagged items
- Consider antenna polarization for tag orientation
- Plan for 20-30% coverage overlap
- Document reader locations with photos
- Use cable guards and proper mounting hardware
DON'Ts
- Place readers near metal surfaces without testing
- Use maximum power without necessity
- Ignore cable length limitations (100m max)
- Mount readers where they can be easily damaged
- Create coverage gaps at critical checkpoints
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Reader Not Connecting
- ✓ Verify network connectivity (ping reader IP)
- ✓ Check firewall rules for ports 5084 (LLRP) and 1883 (MQTT)
- ✓ Confirm reader firmware is up to date
- ✓ Validate MQTT broker is running and accessible
- ✓ Check reader logs for authentication errors
Poor Read Performance
- ✓ Adjust antenna power levels incrementally
- ✓ Check for RF interference from other equipment
- ✓ Verify tag orientation matches antenna polarization
- ✓ Ensure no metal obstacles between reader and tags
- ✓ Consider environmental factors (temperature, humidity)
False or Duplicate Reads
- ✓ Reduce reader power if reading adjacent zones
- ✓ Implement tag filtering by RSSI threshold
- ✓ Adjust duplicate elimination timeout
- ✓ Configure proper session parameters (S0 for portals)
- ✓ Use directional antennas to limit coverage area
MQTT Connection Issues
- ✓ Verify broker credentials and client ID uniqueness
- ✓ Check TLS certificate validity if using secure connection
- ✓ Monitor broker logs for connection attempts
- ✓ Ensure QoS settings match broker configuration
- ✓ Test with MQTT client tool (mosquitto_sub/pub)
Next Steps
With your RFID readers configured and connected, you're ready to start tracking assets in InvenTrack. The system will automatically process tag reads, update item locations, and trigger configured workflows.