8dBi UHF RFID Smart Cabinet Reader Antenna

An 865–868 MHz antenna is designed for UHF RFID and low-power wireless applications operating in the European ETSI SRD band. Typical uses include UHF RFID readers (EPC Gen2 / ISO 18000-6C), asset tracking, warehouse management, access control, smart retail, race timing, and IoT/M2M systems deployed in Europe and other regions following ETSI regulations.
Airplux offers this band across multiple product families: the ETSI 865–868 MHz RFID antenna line (3–15 dBi PCB, panel and mat antennas), near-field RFID antennas, narrow-beam antennas, and ETSI UHF integrated reader antennas. For example, the 3 dBi circular-polarized PCB antenna APRIA8003CM-137 suits compact desktop readers, while high-gain panel models support long-range portal and gate applications.

ETSI 865–868 MHz antennas are tuned for the European UHF RFID band (ETSI EN 302 208), while FCC 902–928 MHz antennas cover the North American band (FCC Part 15). The two bands do not overlap, so an antenna optimized for one will have degraded VSWR, gain and read range on the other. Choose the version that matches your reader’s regional profile.
Airplux manufactures both variants with matching mechanical designs — e.g., the ETSI 865–868 MHz panel series and the FCC 902–928 MHz series are available at the same gain levels (3–15 dBi). For global or multi-region deployments that need one SKU for both markets, the wideband UHF 860–960 MHz antenna line covers both bands in a single antenna, ideal for asset tracking and smart retail projects shipped worldwide.

Yes — all professional 865–868 MHz RFID antennas are 50-ohm, and the common connector options are N-type female (panel antennas), SMA and RP-SMA (compact and PCB antennas), with reverse-polarity TNC also seen on some readers. Always match the antenna connector to your reader’s port or use a proper adapter/low-loss cable.
Airplux 865–868 MHz antennas can be supplied with N-type, SMA or custom connectors to fit major reader brands (Impinj, Zebra, Honeywell, Chainway and others). Keep coax runs short at UHF — every meter of RG-58 loses roughly 0.5 dB at 868 MHz — and our team can advise on cable, connector and lightning-arrestor selection for your installation.

An IP65-rated RFID antenna can be considered for outdoor or semi-outdoor installations where protection against dust and water jets is required under specified test conditions. The APRIA8008CE uses an ABS radome with an IP65 rating, making it suitable for certain exposed environments. However, IP65 does not mean the antenna is waterproof under immersion or suitable for permanent underwater use. Cable connections, mounting points, and the complete installation should also be protected against environmental exposure.

A hanging UHF RFID panel antenna should be mounted securely in a position that provides suitable coverage of the intended reading area. The APRIA8008CE supports hang mounting and measures 220 × 220 × 29 mm, with a net weight of approximately 0.65 kg. Before installation, check the mounting structure, antenna orientation, cable routing, and clearance from nearby metal surfaces. After mounting, test tag identification at different positions to verify the actual coverage.

An 8 dBi RFID antenna may be used in a cabinet-based RFID system, but metal cabinet structures can reflect or block RF signals and affect tag identification. The APRIA8008CE has an 80° horizontal and 60° vertical beamwidth, which helps define its main coverage pattern. For metal cabinets, antenna placement, tag orientation, internal reflections, and the distance between the antenna and cabinet surfaces should be evaluated through practical testing. A suitable installation may require additional antenna positioning or RF adjustments.