Connectivity Box: RFID data to your backend without an IT project
The most expensive part of many RFID projects is not the reader, it is the data path: network approvals, an on-site server, middleware, coordination with local IT. That is what we built the Connectivity Box for: an RFID edge gateway that moves reads from the read point straight into your backend. Connect the reader, insert a SIM card, switch on.
What happens inside
The reader reports every read to the box over Ethernet. The middleware filters duplicates within a configurable time window (factory setting 40 seconds), stores each record with its send status in an SQLite database and posts the data in batches every 10 seconds as JSON via HTTPS to your REST API, authenticated with an API key and device ID. Each read captures the 96-bit EPC with a timestamp, at a rate of at least 100 tags in five seconds.
Transmission runs over LTE (Cat 4, carrier board prepared for 5G modules). Your corporate network stays out of it entirely: no firewall approvals, no server installation, no alignment meetings with site IT.
When the network drops
The box buffers locally for 60 minutes (configurable) and resends automatically once the connection is back. Autostart, auto-reconnect, an LTE watchdog and automatic restart after power failure keep it running without intervention. A heartbeat every 60 seconds reports that the device is alive.
Remote maintenance
Each box carries its own private VPN for maintenance and diagnostics, plus a local, read-only status dashboard. Two LEDs on the device show at a glance whether reader and backend are connected.
Key specifications
- Compute: Raspberry Pi 5 (8 GB, optional 16 GB), Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit
- Reader link: Ethernet (TCP/IP), reader as TCP client, configurable port
- Data processing: deduplication, SQLite buffer, send queue
- Backend: HTTPS, JSON REST, API key (bearer token) plus device ID, custom endpoints available
- Cellular: LTE Cat 4 (SIMCom SIM7600G-H), SIM and data plan provided by the customer
- Remote maintenance: private VPN, local status dashboard
GateSense UHF gate readers are supported today. Connectivity for Chainway (UHF | RAIN), ACS (HF | NFC) and CRAFT Technologies is in preparation; the box is deliberately vendor-independent by design.
Where the box works
Anywhere reads happen but no IT infrastructure is waiting: goods-in and goods-out, returnable-container management, textile services and laundries, material flow in production, vehicle identification at yard and factory gates, construction sites and remote warehouses. The first devices have been deployed at a textile-services provider since late June 2026, reporting tagged laundry items at goods-in and goods-out straight into billing.
Two variants
GateSense Connect is the complete system: Connectivity Box plus GateSense UHF gate reader, preconfigured and ready to run. The Connectivity Box solo connects existing or project-specific readers after a technical review by our team. Both are developed and assembled by IDCRAFT in Germany.
Start a pilot
Full specifications, interfaces and downloads are on the Connectivity Box product page. Datasheet, pricing and a pilot offer are available directly from us: +49 6236 4494 685, info@idcraft.com or via the contact form. We check upfront that reader, read point and backend fit together. Consulting over box moving, this box included.
