ThingMagic Astra-EX - Manual (Page 43)

Controlling the Reader
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 43
Controlling the Reader
The Reader uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to read and write data
stored on RFID Tag(s).
The M6 and Astra-EX Reader provides three levels of access to controlling read/write
operations of RFID tag(s):
1. Using the Browser-Based Interface
A web browser controls high-level Reader operations through a Java Applet.
See
Status Page for information about how to access the browser-based
interface.
2. MercuryAPI
High-level APIs (Application Programming Interface) provide fine control over all
aspects of the Reader.
See the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide at
http://rfid.thingmagic.com/devkit .
3. LLRP
EPCglobal ratified protocol used for communication between the M6 and Astra-
EX and a client application. The M6 and Astra-EX should be “drop-in
compatible” with systems supporting the standard LLRP protocol.
Using the Browser-Based Interface
The M6 and Astra-EX Reader browser-based interface communicates directly with the
RFID Reader. It includes several tools that enable you to monitor Reader performance,
change Reader settings, and upgrade Reader firmware.
You can run the browser-based interface from any PC on the network. Carefully configure
the PC with an IP address and subnet mask compatible with the current operational
settings of the Reader.
The Reader navigation menu provides access to the following pages:
  Status Page - Displays the current operational settings.
 
Query Page - Allows the user to perform Anti-Collision RFID tag searches and to
specify the constraints used in the search.
 
Settings Page - Allows the user to modify Reader configuration and network
settings.