The ALR-8698 is an IP67 passive $250 antenna. Weigh the costs of connecting discrete antennas to master readers vs Nextwaves monolithic panels.
Technical Specifications
Hardware Overview
The Alien Technology ALR-8698 is an industrial-grade RFID device. It operates within the Global (865-928 MHz) range and supports the N/A (Passive Antenna Element) standard, making it widely deployed across enterprise logistics applications.
With an IP rating of IP67, it offers protection against specific environmental conditions typical in warehouses or retail backrooms. The reader utilizes N/A (Passive) for continuous performance, while its stated maximum read rate peaks at N/A (Passive).
Connectivity and Network Integration
In modern deployments, network integration is the most significant hurdle. This model offers Coaxial Type N / SMA options for transferring data back to central systems.
However, a major bottleneck with legacy Alien Technology hardware is the heavy reliance on proprietary SDKs (like LLRP) or expensive third-party IoT middleware to process raw tag data into meaningful business intelligence.
The Nextwaves Alternative
If your engineering team is evaluating the Alien Technology ALR-8698, the Nextwaves NR155 presents a vastly superior cloud-native architecture. Legacy systems inherently drive high capital expenditure through vendor lock-in and proprietary software ecosystems.
Nextwaves completely eliminates this barrier by providing a standard MQTT REST API directly on the device. Your software developers can integrate tag reading directly into your custom ERP or WMS backend in days instead of months, completely bypassing recurring middleware licensing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ALR-8698?
The Alien Technology ALR-8698 is a globally tuned, circularly polarized passive broadcast patch. It accepts raw RF energy from an external active reader and propagates it across the Global (865-928 MHz) spectrums safely.
How much does this setup cost initially?
The antenna lists near $250. However, fully realizing an RFID portal demands purchasing expensive active interrogators (e.g. Alien F800), heavy shielding RF cables, and managing complex third-party software middleware pipelines.
Why should I choose Nextwaves instead?
Wiring discrete antennas forces structural engineers to snake coaxial cables through difficult facility geometries. Nextwaves simplifies site architecture by merging the antenna and gateway inside a single board running standard IP networking over Ethernet.
Is the hardware durable enough for warehouses?
Encased within a heavy poly-carbonate IP67 shell, it dimensions out to 258 x 258 x 36 mm and weighs 0.91 kg. It survives intense dust, factory vibrations, and direct water jets without failing.
Does it support multiple network types?
It offers zero native data networking. Operating simply as a continuous transmission line, its connection relies exclusively on securing the Coaxial Type N / SMA sockets directly to the master logic board.
Can my team install this internally?
Deployment means securing the board physically to ceiling trusses via four-point anchors. IT staff must properly crimp and tune the coaxial N-type cables running between the board and the reading module to minimize decibel drop-offs.
How does the remote management work?
Lacking all internal silicons, it carries a N/A (Passive) rating. Asset calculation speeds depend completely on how aggressively the attached master box pulses the RF field.
Do I need proprietary software to run it?
You cannot interact with this panel programmatically. Instead, engineers must configure middleware to manage the active reader unit controlling the analog voltage supplied to the patch.
What warranty comes with the reader?
The passive unit retains a foundational 12-month manufacturer defect protection plan. Assuming it isn't physically destroyed, the passive patch array possesses a near-infinite functional lifecycle.
Are the antennas sold separately?
Projecting an 8.5 dBic circular field across the broad Global (865-928 MHz) framework, it successfully illuminates mixed-orientation freight moving erratically through vast conveyor logistics hubs.