In a system for automatic identification, a method performed by an appliance coupled to a network balances load among appliances. The network includes a plurality of tags, a plurality of readers that read the tags, and a plurality of appliances. The appliances service the readers to provide information for a server, also coupled to the network. The server performs an application program in accordance with the information. The method includes in any order: (a) determining an unallocated capacity for service by the appliance; (b) determining a load for servicing a reader of the plurality; and (c) if the load fits within the unallocated capacity, providing a signal to the network for another appliance of the plurality, the signal for indicating that the appliance can service the reader. Another method performed by an appliance includes in any order: (a) determining a figure of merit of communication between tags and readers; (b) sending information for a reader to adjust communication with the tags in accordance with the information.