Wifi Revolution

Deploying and managing in office and commercial environments, ThingMagic, Inc. (www.thingmagic.com), has unveiled the Astra integrated RFID reader/antenna for asset management applications. This application is ideal for asset management in offices, healthcare facilities and other environments as it provides low profile, unobtrusive design, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Wi-Fi options.

 

An Astra reader provides features such as high performance, EPCglobal Generation 2.0 (ISO 18000-6C) support with anti-collision, Dense Reader Mode (DRM) and advanced anti-jamming functionality. It also provides low-cost integration with existing enterprise Wi-Fi networks with its Wi-Fi option and supports enterprise Wi-Fi security standards, including TKIP, AES and EAP-TLS. There is also an easy to use development kit, for customized applications, settings, deployments and management.

 

The Astra reader reduces cabling and electrical outlet proximity requirements with its PoE option. It is also equipped with an integrated 865-956 MHz, circularly-polarized antenna with 6 dBiL gain and 65o beamwidth. For application development, network management and security, ThingMagic’s MercuryOS software is always there to help you out. An external antenna port is provided for an additional antenna. Other features such as a small form factor (10.2”H x 10.2”W x 3”D), and a 16MB of flash and 32MB of RAM available for reader-hosted applications also complement this application.

 

Astra has a read range of up to 30 feet for Generation 2 RFID tags, and can read more than 190 tags per second, driven by ThingMagic’s Mercury5e embedded reader module. Astra’s network management and security features include SSL/SSH-based security and DHCP for configuration and firmware management, which fully support ThingMagic’s enterprise-class MercuryOS software.

 

“Traditional fixed RFID readers, antennas, cable and electrical power requirements, while appropriate for warehouses and loading docks, are not well suited for office and commercial environments,” said Yael Maguire, ThingMagic CTO and co-founder. “Astra is specifically designed for office and commercial environments and is ideal for enterprise asset tracking applications including document management, inventory control, baggage tracking and medical equipment location.”

 

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