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.
Blogs
Times-7
March 26, 2025
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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.
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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For railway tracking, we recommend the A5020LX due its high IP rating, far-field gain and precision
A5020LX Linear Extreme Antenna