Choosing the right antenna for railway asset tracking

Railway environments amplify these challenges. The presence of metal infrastructure, exposure to weather, and the constant movement of rolling stock make precise read point design essential—and choosing the right antenna becomes pivotal to ensuring consistent, reliable tag reads. In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting an antenna for railway applications and highlight a high-performance option that is suitable for this application.

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Times-7

March 26, 2025

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A5020LX
Railway asset tracking_ blog image

In any successful RAIN RFID deployment, read point design is everything. It’s not just about placing readers and antennas—it’s about understanding where RFID tags will be placed, how they’ll be oriented relative to the antenna, the read distance, and the polarisation required. 

Here are the three key factors to consider when choosing the antenna

 

Key consideration Why What to consider

Antenna polarisation

For tracking fast-moving carriages or rail-side assets, linearly polarised antennas deliver superior performance.

They provide consistent read accuracy for tags with a fixed orientation—perfect for applications where assets pass read points at high speed.

  • Linearly polarised antenna with a wide beam angle, making it ideal for reading fixed-orientation tags on fast-moving railcars.
  • Delivering reliable coverage as assets pass by—ensuring fewer missed reads and smoother operation.

Durability for harsh environments

Outdoor rail settings are exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and industrial contaminants like coal dust and oil. Choose antennas with a high IP rating suitable for your requirements to ensure reliable performance in these conditions.

Antennas that are corrosion-resistant and capable of withstanding pressure washing are especially well-suited for long-term deployments in rugged environments. 

  • Linearly polarised antenna with a wide beam angle, making it ideal for reading fixed-orientation tags on fast-moving railcars.
  • Delivering reliable coverage as assets pass by—ensuring fewer missed reads and smoother operation.

Flexible mounting options

Every railway deployment is different, and limited access to infrastructure can make installation challenging. Antennas that support a range of mounting configurations—such as on gantries, poles, or trackside structures—can significantly reduce installation time.

The right antennas will simplify deployment in high-interference settings to maintain reliable tag detection and minimise missed reads. 

  • Recessed corner holes spaced to standard 100 x 100 mm VESA mounts.
  • Slim profile and SMA connector enable flush mounting
  • Connector Protection Backplate is a simple, effective way to protect connections and extend the lifespan of your setup. Compatible with right-angled and straight cables (available as additional accessory).
A5020LX Antenna (Pictorial)

For railway tracking, we recommend the A5020LX due its high IP rating, far-field gain and precision

A5020LX Linear Extreme Antenna

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Looking to find out more? Contact our sales team.

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