In large-scale RFID deployments, the antenna is not a supporting actor—it is the main character. No matter how advanced the RFID reader or how sophisticated the tag IC, system performance ultimately depends on how efficiently RF energy is transmitted and received. The 10dBi Black Marathon Floor Long Range RFID Reader Antenna is designed precisely for this purpose: maximum read range, stable performance, and industrial-grade reliability in demanding UHF RFID environments.
This article provides a comprehensive, B2B-focused introduction to the 10dBi Marathon Floor RFID antenna, covering technical specifications, performance characteristics, real-world applications, and the operational problems it solves for logistics, manufacturing, retail, and asset management systems.
What Is a Marathon Floor Long Range RFID Antenna?
A Marathon Floor RFID antenna is a vertically oriented, elongated UHF antenna engineered for long-range, directional RFID reading along defined pathways. Unlike compact panel antennas, the floor-mounted marathon design creates a controlled RF corridor, making it ideal for scenarios where tagged items move in predictable directions—such as pallets passing through dock doors or cartons traveling on conveyors.
The 10dBi gain places this antenna firmly in the high-performance category, offering extended read distances while maintaining precise beam control to minimize stray reads and signal interference.
Electrical Specifications Explained (What They Mean in Practice)
Understanding specifications is essential for B2B buyers, but raw numbers only matter if you know how they translate into operational benefits.
Frequency Compatibility: Global UHF RFID Support
The antenna supports 902–928 MHz and 865–868 MHz, covering:
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FCC regions (North America, parts of Latin America)
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ETSI regions (Europe, Middle East, parts of Asia)
This dual-band capability allows system integrators and multinational operators to deploy the same antenna model across different regions, simplifying procurement and maintenance.
10dBi Gain: Long Range with Directional Control
A 10dBi gain means the antenna concentrates RF energy into a focused radiation pattern rather than dispersing it broadly. The result is:
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Longer read distance (often several meters more than 6–8dBi antennas)
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Higher tag read reliability at speed
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Reduced power waste and RF noise
This is particularly valuable in high-throughput environments where missed reads translate directly into operational errors.
Beam Width: Precision Without Blind Spots
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Horizontal beam width: 75°
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Vertical beam width: 45°
This beam configuration creates a wide but controlled reading zone, ideal for:
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Pallets of varying heights
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Mixed carton sizes
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Forklift traffic with slight positional variation
You get coverage where you need it—without unintentionally reading tags in adjacent lanes or storage areas.
Linear Polarization: Predictable Performance
Linear polarization is best suited for environments where tag orientation is consistent or controlled, such as labels applied uniformly on cartons or pallets. It delivers:
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Higher effective read range than circular polarization in controlled setups
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More stable RSSI values for data analytics
VSWR ≤ 1.5: Efficient Power Transfer
A low Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) ensures that RF power is efficiently transferred from the reader to the antenna, minimizing signal reflection. In practice, this means:
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Better system efficiency
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Reduced stress on RFID readers
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More consistent read performance over time
High Power Handling and Protection
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Maximum input power: 50W
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Lightning protection: DC ground
These features make the antenna suitable for industrial installations where electrical stability and safety are critical, especially in warehouses with long cable runs or outdoor-adjacent mounting.
| Electrical Specifications | |
| Antenna Type | long range RFID reader antenna |
| Frequency | 902-928MHz & 865-868MHz |
| Gain | 10dBi |
| Beam width | Hor: 75° & Ver: 45° |
| Polarization | Liner |
| VSWR | ≤1.5 |
| F/B Ratio | ≥20 |
| Impedance | 50Ω |
| Maximum power | 50W |
| Lightning protection | DC Ground |
| Connector | SMA-Female |
| Mechanical Specifications | |
| Dimension | 1600*60*22mm |
| Net weight | 1.5KG |
| Packing size | 167*8*4.5cm |
| Gross weight | 2.0KG |
| Radome material | PVC |
| Radome colour | Black |
| Operating temperature | -40-70℃ |
Mechanical Design: Built for Industrial Reality
Slim, Vertical Marathon Structure
With dimensions of 1600 × 60 × 22 mm, the antenna’s long, narrow form factor allows it to be:
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Mounted along door frames
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Installed beside conveyor lines
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Integrated into gate-style RFID portals
Its vertical orientation creates a tall, uniform RF field that reads tags across the full height of pallets.
Durable PVC Radome
The black PVC radome provides:
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Excellent RF transparency
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Resistance to dust, moisture, and minor impacts
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Long-term color and structural stability in industrial lighting
PVC is a practical choice for warehouses and logistics hubs where durability matters more than decorative finishes.
Temperature and Environmental Resistance
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Operating temperature: –40°C to +70°C
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Humidity tolerance: Suitable for harsh indoor environments and semi-outdoor locations
This wide operating range ensures reliable performance in cold storage warehouses, hot loading docks, and facilities with variable climate control.
Connector and Integration Compatibility
The antenna uses an SMA-Female connector, a common standard in UHF RFID systems. This ensures easy compatibility with:
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Fixed RFID readers
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RFID modules
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Extension coaxial cables
System integrators can deploy or replace antennas without custom adapters, reducing installation time and long-term maintenance costs.
Typical Applications of the 10dBi Marathon Floor RFID Antenna
Warehouse Inbound and Outbound Gates
At dock doors, accuracy is everything. This antenna enables:
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Automatic pallet identification
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Hands-free inventory recording
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Reduced manual scanning labor
The long-range, directional beam ensures pallets are read as they pass through the gate—once, and only once.
Conveyor Belt RFID Tunnels
When combined with side-mounted or overhead antennas, the marathon floor antenna helps create a complete RFID tunnel, ensuring reliable reads even when tags are partially shielded or misaligned.
Manufacturing Work-in-Process (WIP) Tracking
In production lines, consistent tag reads allow manufacturers to:
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Track materials in real time
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Prevent process errors
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Improve traceability and compliance
Retail Distribution Centers
For apparel, footwear, and FMCG distribution centers, the antenna supports:
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High-speed carton verification
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Shipment accuracy validation
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Automated cross-docking operations
Asset and Pallet Tracking
Reusable pallets, containers, and industrial assets benefit from the antenna’s long read range and stable performance, reducing asset loss and improving utilization rates.
Problems This Antenna Solves for B2B Buyers
Missed Reads in High-Speed Operations
Low-gain or poorly designed antennas often fail when pallets move quickly. The 10dBi gain and optimized beam pattern significantly reduce missed reads.
Cross-Reads and RF Pollution
By controlling beam width and directionality, the antenna minimizes accidental reads from nearby zones—one of the most common pain points in dense RFID environments.
Inconsistent System Performance
Stable VSWR, robust materials, and wide temperature tolerance ensure consistent operation across shifts, seasons, and workload peaks.
Scalability Issues
Thanks to its standardized frequency support and connector type, this antenna scales easily across multi-site deployments.
Why B2B Buyers Choose a Marathon Floor Antenna Design
Compared with traditional panel antennas, marathon floor antennas offer:
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Better vertical coverage
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Cleaner read zones
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More predictable RF behavior
For operations where process accuracy directly affects revenue, this design is not an upgrade—it is a necessity.
Conclusion: A Strategic Component for Serious RFID Systems
The 10dBi Black Marathon Floor Long Range RFID Reader Antenna is engineered for enterprises that demand accuracy, durability, and long-term reliability from their RFID infrastructure. Its electrical performance, mechanical robustness, and deployment flexibility make it an ideal choice for warehouses, logistics hubs, manufacturing plants, and retail distribution centers.
In RFID systems, antennas are not accessories—they are strategic assets. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between a pilot project and a production-ready solution that scales confidently with your business.
When read accuracy matters, this antenna does the quiet, invisible work that keeps operations moving smoothly.
