Fixed RAIN RFID tracking enables a broad range of applications within hospital environments. In this blog, we evaluated the performance of the A5060 and A5010 antennas in overhead configurations designed for tracking patient and staff movement. While this specific configuration testing set up is for people tracking, it can also be used to track assets.
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Times-7
August 26, 2025
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As hospitals work to improve care delivery and operational performance, the ability to understand how patients and staff move through a facility has become a core requirement.
Understanding this will allow for staff and patient safety, better utilisation of resources, and is a scalable solution to many other healthcare challenges.
With little manual intervention, this “hands-free” tracking infrastructure supports a wide range of use cases and can improve care and coordination at every stage.
RFID tags are embedded in staff badges/ lanyards or patient wristbands and carry a unique ID and other relevant information.
Overhead antennas (i.e., A5060 or A5010) and other system components are installed discreetly above ceiling tiles in entrances, hallways, or restricted areas.
As individuals move through the coverage area, the antennas detect and read their tag information.
| Session | Session 0 |
| RF mode | 1003- Auto set static fast |
| Search mode | Dual target |
| EPC filter | 54455354 (ASCII for Test)- to single out "wanted" tags |
| Reader Sensitivity | -70 dBm |
We conducted tests on two of our high gain far-field antennas, the A5060 and A5010, to see which performed better for which use case.
In this setup, both antennas are flush-mounted in two locations (as listed below) to the ceiling tile at 2.61 metres from our test height using #8 gauge/1 inch screws.
Hallway
The A5060 was orientated to have its 25° beam covering the access zone.
The A5010 has a symmetrical beamwidth of 68°, therefore no specific orientation was required.
Doorway
The A5060 was orientated so it’s larger 60° beamwidth was covering the access zone.
The A5010 has a symmetrical beamwidth of 68°, therefore no specific orientation was required.
Note: In real-world installations, they’re often placed discreetly behind the ceiling tile, maintaining a clean look without sacrificing read performance.
The following tests were performed.
The power required for tag activation was higher for the A5010 in both environments. This was in line with our expectations due to the A5060 having a higher gain at 10.5dBiC compared to the A5010’s 8.5dBiC.
The doorway environment tests showed that for similar beamwidth antennas and similar reader power, the read zone coverage is significantly greater for the higher gain antenna, due to the increase in the tags received power.
Testing in the hallway showed the 25° beam axis of the A5060 as having a larger read zone coverage area than the A5010 with its 68° beam.
A mixture of the higher gain, non-symmetrical beam, and comparatively highly reflective environment led to an increase in signal reflection and heavy multipath reads for the A5060.
This highlights the importance of real-world testing as each environment is unique which can lead to unexpected results.
Implementing RFID tracking involves careful planning to balance performance, compliance and operational needs.
Below are a few things to consider:
Metal surfaces, equipment, and architectural features can affect read range or signal accuracy. Site-specific configuration and antenna selection are critical to performance.
Tags rotate unpredictably as wearers move. Clothing or bedding can easily block tag visibility. Proximity to the human body can also detune or decrease signal performance. Therefore selecting the right tags (i.e. flag tags) for better exposure is essential.
Tight read zone containment particularly around doorways, corridors and zone crossings is key.
Overhead RFID tracking offers healthcare providers a seamless, non-intrusive way to monitor the movement of patients and staff, without compromising care delivery.
By removing the need for manual scans and reducing physical touchpoints, it supports both infection control and workflow efficiency. The ability to generate accurate, real-time location data empowers hospitals to optimise operations and enhance patient safety.
We know that successful deployments rely on more than just hardware. Whether you’re planning a new installation or refining an existing system, our technical team has the expertise to help you.
Click below for configuration set up and test data or contact our sales team for more information.
