“While the FX9600 Fixed RFID reader offers 4-port and 8-port configurations and high RF sensitivity, given the high price point, the FX7500 comes only in 2-port and 4-port configurations, available at a slightly lesser cost.”
RFID technology is widely used in automating various day-to-day operations in distinct business settings and industrial enterprises, including retail, supply chains and logistics, the IT sector, hospitality, healthcare, education, and others. While RFID technology is fairly easy to understand and implement, due considerations need to be given when choosing the kind of RFID tags, antennas, and readers most suited to one’s business applications. Selecting the right RFID reader is crucial when considering an RFID-based solution and there are various RFID companies with huge catalogs of RFID handheld and fixed readers.
Zebra Technologies Corp. is a leading US-based firm known for cutting-edge RFID and barcoding products and solutions. When it comes to Zebra fixed RFID readers, the Zebra FX9600 and Zebra FX7500 RFID readers are the go-to choice amongst businesses looking to employ RFID technology in their day-to-day operations.
The FX9600 vs FX7500 RFID Readers by Zebra
Zebra Technologies offers two high-performing Fixed UHF RFID readers, namely Zebra FX9600 and Zebra FX7500, both of which are easy to deploy and offer great performance in challenging environments. These UHF RFID readers support the UHF operating frequency, 860 MHz- 960 MHz (global), and follow the communication protocols EPCglobal gen 2 v2, ISO 18000-63 to offer unhindered performance with all kinds of UHF RFID tags worldwide.
When it comes to an objective comparison between the two readers, one needs to consider antenna port configurations, read rate, RF sensitivity, and the build quality of both readers. The FX9600 RFID Reader by Zebra comes in 4-port and 8-port configurations which accommodates long coverage with a maximum of 8 antenna connections with a single RFID reader while the FX7500 RFID reader comes with 2-port and 4-port configurations.
The FX9600 is a high-performing RFID Fixed reader by Zebra that offers top-of-the-line performance with longer read ranges even in dense RF environments. It can be easily deployed with PoE and PoE+ support. Whether one needs to deploy the FX9600 at docks, warehouses, and retail settings or demanding industrial settings, it offers wireless connectivity including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and a 4G LTE cellular modem with GPS capabilities.
The FX7500 RFID Fixed RFID reader by Zebra is known for its better performance and better value offering high performance in challenging environments. The smart look and form factor make it at home for all kinds of business applications with its integrated features, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth network connectivity, and multiple antenna connections for long coverage. It is easy to deploy and once plugged into the network, the devices are automatically detected. With integrated power over Ethernet (PoE), it can be easily installed in all kinds of environments without installing extra outlets.
Common Similarities and Differences between Zebra FX9600 RFID Reader and Zebra FX7500 RFID Reader
The Similarities between Zebra FX9600 and Zebra FX7500 RFID Readers
Operating Frequency Range
The Zebra FX9600 and FX7500 RFID readers, both operate at a frequency range of 902 MHz - 928 MHz and 865 MHz - 868 MHz, with support for countries that use a part of this band. For India, the Zebra RFID readers support the operating frequency range of UHF 865 MHz- 867 MHz.
Antenna Configurations
Both the fixed RFID readers are available in multiple configurations, with the FX9600 offering 4-port and 8-port versions, and the FX7500 offering 2-port and 4-port versions. More Antenna ports mean more options to enhance the coverage of the RFID reader.
Connectivity Options
Various connectivity options, including Ethernet, USB, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support are present on both the fixed reader models by Zebra.
Warranty Period
The standard warranty period for the Zebra FX9600 RFID Reader and FX7500 Reader is one year (12 months), which can be extended with a Zebra OneCare service contract.
IP Rating
The Zebra FX9600 RFID Reader and FX7500 RFID reader are rated IP 53, which means these readers are most suitable for indoor and outdoor settings where limited dust and water sprays are present. The housing is ruggedly built to make it durable and uncompromising in such conditions.
The Differences between Zebra FX9600 and Zebra FX7500 RFID Readers
Read Rate
The Zebra FX9600 RFID reader can achieve a maximum read rate of up to 1200 tags per second, whereas the read rate for the FX7500 reader is not explicitly mentioned but it could be approx 1000 tags per second considering the price and performance.
General Purpose I/O Ports
The FX9600 has 4 inputs, 4 outputs, optically isolated GPIO, while the FX7500 has 2 inputs, 3 outputs, optically isolated GPIO.
RF Sensitivity
The FX9600 RFID reader by Zebra offers an RF sensitivity of -86dBm (max) while the Zebra FX7500 offers an RF sensitivity of -82dBm (max). The higher RF sensitivity in FX9600 translates into high read accuracy and long-range scanning of RFID tags.
To conclude, both the fixed readers by Zebra, the Zebra FX9600 and the Zebra FX7500 are cutting-edge RFID Fixed Readers offering high performance in tag-intensive settings. While the FX9600 Fixed RFID reader offers 4-port and 8-port configurations and high RF sensitivity, given the high price point, the FX7500 comes only in 2-port and 4-port configurations, available at a slightly lesser cost.
While choosing between the two, keep in mind the unique needs of your business and the performance and coverage you require for optimal efficiency.
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