The CAEN RFID Proton (R4320P) is an IP65 rated 4-port reader. Priced around $1200, see how its specifications compare to modern Nextwaves platforms.
Technical Specifications
Hardware Overview
The CAEN RFID Proton (R4320P) is an industrial-grade RFID device. It operates within the 865.6-867.6 MHz (ETSI) / 902-928 MHz (FCC) range and supports the EPC C1 G2, ISO 18000-63 standard, making it widely deployed across enterprise logistics applications.
With an IP rating of IP65, it offers protection against specific environmental conditions typical in warehouses or retail backrooms. The reader utilizes 9-36V DC or PoE (802.3af) for continuous performance, while its stated maximum read rate peaks at Up to 400 Kb/s.
Connectivity and Network Integration
In modern deployments, network integration is the most significant hurdle. This model offers Ethernet (PoE), RS232, GPIO (M12) options for transferring data back to central systems.
However, a major bottleneck with legacy CAEN RFID 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 CAEN RFID Proton (R4320P), 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 Proton (R4320P)?
The CAEN RFID Proton (R4320P) is a stationary EPC C1 G2, ISO 18000-63 RFID reader. Operating on the 865.6-867.6 MHz (ETSI) / 902-928 MHz (FCC) frequency bands, it is designed for integration into harsh industrial environments.
How much does this setup cost initially?
The base hardware cost is generally around $1200. A full deployment budget must include up to 4 external antennas, RF cables, and your specific 9-36V DC or PoE (802.3af) networking architecture.
Why should I choose Nextwaves instead?
Nextwaves maintains an open-architecture approach. Our devices embed MQTT and REST API endpoints natively, allowing developers to query state directly without licensing third-party IoT middleware.
Is the hardware durable enough for warehouses?
The IP65 rated die-cast aluminum housing weighs 530 g and has dimensions of 131 x 106 x 50 mm. It provides durability against dust and water jets, ensuring reliable operation outdoors or in factory floors.
Does it support multiple network types?
Network connectivity is established through its Ethernet (PoE), RS232, GPIO (M12) industrial connectors. Custom scripts can interact with external triggers via the robust M12 GPIO socket.
Can my team install this internally?
Physical mounting relies on standard VESA brackets. To guarantee accuracy, RF transmission settings and dense-interrogator modes must be calibrated to your facility's specific interference profile.
How does the remote management work?
Under optimal lab conditions, the hardware supports data transfer rates Up to 400 Kb/s. Firmware and configuration updates are traditionally managed through the manufacturer's proprietary SDKs.
Do I need proprietary software to run it?
Bridging tag data from the Ethernet (PoE), RS232, GPIO (M12) interfaces to cloud CRMs or ERPs usually requires intermediate polling software, which introduces overhead and potential points of failure.
What warranty comes with the reader?
The manufacturer generally backs the hardware with a standard one-year warranty. Integrators often suggest purchasing extended technical SLAs for mission-critical logistics applications.
Are the antennas sold separately?
External antennas are required to establish the RF field. Antenna polarization must be carefully selected across the 865.6-867.6 MHz (ETSI) / 902-928 MHz (FCC) band to match your typical tag orientations.