RFID reader (interrogator) · Frequency band (LF, HF/NFC, UHF), regional UHF plan, EPC Gen2 protocol, fixed or handheld, antenna ports, read rate, power
An RFID reader transmits radio energy through an antenna, powers or wakes RFID tags in its field, and decodes their replies. Ask three things first: which frequency band and regional plan the tags and country require, whether a fixed reader with external antennas or a handheld suits the read zone, and what read rate, interfaces and power the installation needs.
RFID readers and reader-writers for LF, HF/NFC and UHF tags: fixed, handheld and integrated-antenna types. RFID tags and labels, stand-alone antennas, access-control locks and EV chargers that merely include a card reader are outside this page.
CNFX editorial research · Sources checked October 12, 2026 · 4 sources
atlasRFIDstore describes a reader that amplifies energy, modulates it with data and sends it through a cable to an antenna; a passive tag in the field absorbs that energy, activates its chip and returns its data. Its guide compares LF at 125–134 kHz (contact to about 10 cm; animal tracking, access control, near liquids and metal), HF/NFC at 13.56 MHz (near contact to about 30 cm; ID cards, ticketing, NFC) and UHF at 860–960 MHz (“Several feet to 10+ meters”; fast multi-tag reads), noting actual range depends on tag, reader power, antenna, placement and environment. [1]
The same guide notes UHF passive equipment is built for regional plans: 865–868 MHz under ETSI in Europe and 902–928 MHz under the FCC in North America, with other countries adopting one or a subset, such as Argentina at 902–928 MHz and Armenia at 865.6–867.6 MHz. [1]
GS1's EPC Gen2 air interface protocol, first published by EPCglobal in 2004, defines the physical and logical requirements for interrogators and passive tags operating at 860–930 MHz; Gen2v2 (2013) added data security and privacy features, and Gen2v3 adds inventory commands with tag selection while keeping all Gen2v2 features. [2]
Give the supplier the tag type and protocol, band and country of use, read range and zone size, number of tags and their speed, fixed or handheld use, antenna count and polarisation, host interface and software, power source, environment and ingress needs, and certifications required.
02
Choose fixed or handheld, antenna ports, rate and power
atlasRFIDstore describes fixed readers mounted at walls, portals or desks supporting 1–64 external antennas with multiplexers, handheld or sled readers running on battery with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and integrated readers combining reader and antenna; it explains circular polarisation tolerates varied tag orientation at a slightly shorter range than linear. [1]
Impinj lists its R700 RAIN RFID reader at up to 1,300+ tags per second with 64-bit edge processing, USB flash drive and Wi-Fi adapter support, and up to 32 antennas through antenna hubs, with Gen2X features to increase read range and speed inventory. [3]
Zebra states its FX9600 fixed reader can be powered by PoE or PoE+, and that with PoE+ or a 24 V supply long cable runs do not reduce available RF power; it is offered in four-port (FX9600-4) and eight-port (FX9600-8) models for dock doors and portals, built for damp, dusty, hot and sub-zero areas. [4]
Editorial calculation: at a 1,300 tags/s read rate, reading 500 tags in a pallet takes about 0.4 s of reader time before RF and placement effects. [3]
03
Compare what suppliers offer
The suppliers linked to this page list RFID readers or reader-writers; their cards link to the pages reviewed.
Ask any supplier for the band and regional variant, protocol support, transmit power range and receive sensitivity, read rate, number of antenna ports and connector type, host interfaces, SDK and software, power input, operating and storage temperature, ingress rating, dimensions, weight and radio certifications.
04
Trace what each part does
This is a functional reference built from the sources cited; it is not one maker's specification.
Fill the specification fields with values for your order
An RFID reader quotation needs values for your read zone. The table explains each field, gives published values where a reviewed source states them, and says what to obtain from the supplier.
Field
What it means and published values
Ask the supplier for
Operating Frequency (MHz)
0.125–0.134 (LF); 13.56 (HF); 865–868 or 902–928 (UHF). [1]
Band; region.
Read Range (meters)
~0.1 (LF); ~0.3 (HF); to 10+ (UHF), set by tag and setup. [1]
Explore company information and manufacturing capabilities, then discuss the scope of your project with a relevant supplier.
Share this page
Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team.
Published product pages show what a company offers, not tested performance. Confirm the legal seller, factory and scope for your order. How we source and review
· Page last updated 13 October 2026
Buyer questions
Which RFID frequency reads the farthest?
atlasRFIDstore's guide gives UHF at “Several feet to 10+ meters”, against about 30 cm for HF and about 10 cm for LF. [1]
Can one UHF reader work in Europe and the US?
The guide notes readers are built for ETSI 865–868 MHz or FCC 902–928 MHz plans; confirm the regional variant. [1]
What protocol do UHF RFID readers use?
GS1's EPC Gen2 protocol defines interrogators and passive tags at 860–930 MHz. [2]
Sources and what still needs a direct check
Sources checked 2026-10-12. GS1 maintains the EPC Gen2 standard; Impinj and Zebra make RFID readers; atlasRFIDstore publishes an RFID selection guide.
