The specification describes a new architecture for RFID systems that is adapted to process large numbers of RFID tags and provide information about a large number of items. The system provides for multiple tag readers. The tag readers are active and have both transmit and receive capability. The system includes a gateway tag that receives information about individual items from the multiple readers and thus contains data on the entire inventory of items. This allows each of the multiple readers to conveniently access data for the entire inventory of items.