The Impinj R220 Speedway is a mid-tier 2-port fixed RFID reader operating on 860-960 MHz. It maxes out at 200 tags per second. See how it compares to modern Nextwaves alternatives.
Technical Specifications
Hardware Overview
The Impinj R220 (Speedway) is an industrial-grade RFID device. It operates within the 860-960 MHz range and supports the EPCglobal UHF Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO 18000-6C standard, making it widely deployed across enterprise logistics applications.
With an IP rating of IP52, it offers protection against specific environmental conditions typical in warehouses or retail backrooms. The reader utilizes PoE (IEEE 802.3af), +24Vdc AC Adapter for continuous performance, while its stated maximum read rate peaks at 200 tags/second.
Connectivity and Network Integration
In modern deployments, network integration is the most significant hurdle. This model offers Ethernet, RS-232, USB, GPIO options for transferring data back to central systems.
However, a major bottleneck with legacy Impinj 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 Impinj R220 (Speedway), 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 R220 (Speedway)?
The Impinj R220 Speedway is a 2-port fixed UHF RFID reader designed for small to medium-scale deployments. It utilizes Impinj's Autopilot technology to automatically optimize its performance based on environmental RF noise.
How much does this setup cost initially?
The base reader typically retails around $800. Keep in mind this does not include the cost of external RP-TNC antennas, antenna cables, power supplies, or any required enterprise middleware software.
Why should I choose Nextwaves instead?
Nextwaves offers standard REST API and MQTT endpoints right on the device. Instead of wrestling with low-level LLRP commands or paying for expensive third-party middleware, your team can integrate RFID data directly into modern web stacks.
Is the hardware durable enough for warehouses?
The R220 carries an IP52 rating. This means it offers protection against dust and vertically dripping water, but it is not fully weatherproof. It is best suited for indoor, climate-controlled environments like retail stores or clean warehouses.
Does it support multiple network types?
The reader provides standard 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and RS-232 serial ports. It also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which simplifies cabling by delivering both data and power over a single Cat5/Cat6 cable.
Can my team install this internally?
Physical mounting is straightforward with standard brackets, but software integration typically requires developers familiar with the LLRP protocol or proprietary Impinj SDKs (Octane). It's not a plug-and-play solution for standard web developers.
How does the remote management work?
Network administrators typically manage the R220 through Impinj's ItemTest software or custom SNMP tools. Firmware updates and health monitoring must be handled via these specific interfaces.
Do I need proprietary software to run it?
While it supports LLRP, most enterprise deployments end up licensing specialized middleware to translate the raw RFID reads into meaningful business events to integrate with WMS or ERP systems.
What warranty comes with the reader?
Impinj provides a standard one-year hardware warranty. Extended service contracts are available for purchase but will increase your overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across a fleet of devices.
Are the antennas sold separately?
Yes, the R220 requires external antennas. It features two monostatic RP-TNC antenna ports. Selecting the correct far-field or near-field antennas based on your specific use case is the hardest part of the physical setup.