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Fastenal Company
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Revision 4.0
Appendix A: Physical Placement Guidelines
Controller Placement
Placing the Controller in an optimal location ensures that the Controller will have a much better
signal with far less interference. It may be necessary in large facilities to install multiple
controllers. The following guidelines can be used to help place the Controller in an optimal
location.
NOTE: The Controller and Repeater are designed to sit on a shelf or other surface to allow for
access to the regulatory information on the device label (which is located on the bottom of
each device). This note applies only to these two devices, as the Reader can only be located in
the RFID enclosure as shown in Figure 5 (see Figure 11
for location of the Reader’s device label).
1.
Centralize the Controller: Make sure you place the Controller in the middle of all the devices
(i.e., Readers and Repeaters) that are being used. The signal strength from the Controller is
somewhat based on the distance. A central position can allow even distribution to all the
devices.
2.
Controller Placement: Try to place the Controller as high as possible in the room, so the
signal gets dispersed throughout the facility.
3.
Minimize Number and Angle of Walls: Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the
Controller and the Reader/Repeater devices to a minimum. Always imagine a direct line of
sight between the Controller and Reader/Repeater devices. Position devices so that the
signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better
reception.
4.
Wall Building Materials: Consider the type of building material through which the signal
must travel. Drywall or open doorways are good choices. Materials and objects such as
walls with insulation, glass, brick, concrete, steel, metal, water, or mirrors can degrade
signal strength. Also, do not place the Controller inside a cabinet or a storage area/space.
5.
Avoid Other Wireless Devices: Place appliances, such as cordless telephones, microwaves,
Wi-Fi routers, and televisions, as far away as possible from the Controller (at least 3 to 6
feet (1 to 2 meters)). This will significantly reduce any interference that theses appliances
may cause.