18/7/2022

The 5 most frequently asked questions about the Spider RFID reader

You have been doing research into a solution to provide secure access within your organisation. You have a preference for an RFID reader that is easy to implement, accepts multiple authentication technologies and can be implemented for a wide variety of purposes. However, there are many readers on the market, which can make it difficult to make a well-informed decision. You don't just want a solution that fits your current needs, but one that can grow with you and expand in the future. To help you through the selection process, we have answered the 5 most frequently asked questions about our Spider RFID reader.

1. Can the Spider RFID reader read any ID tag or card?

You can use any item that contains a passive RFID tag, an antenna and a transponder to authenticate. So how does the Spider RFID reader work? When an RFID tag comes near the Spider, the reader sends energy to the tag, activating the transponder. The tag then sends information back to the Spider, which is interpreted by special RFID software. Passive RFID tags can use three frequencies to transmit information: 125 kHz, 13.56 MHz and Near-Field Communication (NFC). The Spider is designed to communicate via all of these frequencies. And although you can come across a lot of creative items with an RFID tag, the most common means of authentication are still the ID card, key fob, wristband or smartphone.

2. Can a mobile phone be used as an RFID tag?

Our use of smartphones is still increasing, partly due to developments like fast mobile internet and ever-expanding functionality. As a result, we use our phones on an enormous scale every day and always carry them with us. To enable users to do as much as possible with their smartphone, we have developed the Spider so it is possible to authenticate with a mobile phone. Authenticating in this way is one of the most secure methods to access buildings, services and products. Users simply open the Spider ID mobile app and complete the authentication. The app offers access via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). So the Spider is not only an RFID & NFC reader but also a BLE reader.

3. Is the Spider compatible with all RFID, NFC and BLE technologies?

The Spider RFID reader supports over 125 different technologies in the Low Frequency (LF) range: 125 kHz, the High Frequency (HF) range: 13.56 MHz and Near-Field Communication (NFC). So with the Spider, you can effortlessly use different RFID standards concurrently within your organisation. The powerful Spider reader is also suitable for simultaneous tag reading. The NFC and BLE compliance also make authentication by smartphone possible.

4. Is the Spider compatible with any device & software solution?

Because of the different versions of the Spider, it can be very easily built into almost any device or machine. The Spider can be connected via multiple communication protocols, like USB and RS232. There are also several types of USB cables and brackets available, so the Spider RFID reader can be easily integrated into a machine or attached to a device. The Spider RFID reader is compatible with every software solution, for example, print management software or the application of a vending machine.

5. Can you configure the Spider RFID reader remotely?

In addition to our easy-to-use config card option, which allows configuration to be applied by holding the card in front of the reader, we have recently launched the Spider Configurator app. The configuration of the Spider RFID reader can easily be updated via this mobile Spider Configurator app without needing to disconnect the reader. You scan the QR code of the specific Spider RFID reader with the app and then, remotely (max 10 meters), apply the desired configuration to it via BLE.

If you still have questions about the Spider, do not hesitate to contact us via the contact form below.

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