Learn about Wi-Fi HaLow with us.
About Wi-Fi Halow
Wi-Fi HaLow is a new Wi-Fi standard that operates on the 900 MHz frequency band, which is at a lower frequency than the ones used by traditional Wi-Fi networks at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
It was previously known as Wi-Fi 802.11ah, and was designed to have a longer range and smaller power consumption than the traditional Wi-Fi networks, making it well-suited for use in IoT (Internet of Things) devices and other low-power applications.
Its main advantage against WiFi 6 is the ability to penetrate walls and other barriers, which gives it much better coverage in areas where traditional Wi-Fi networks struggle to provide connectivity. It’s still in a nascent stage as of today and isn’t as popular as the traditional Wi-Fi networks yet. The commercially available Wi-Fi HaLow products were only introduced to the market recently.
How do I use Wi-Fi HaLow
To use Wi-Fi HaLow, you need to have Wi-Fi HaLow Routers, Access Points or Bridges.
There are many out there, but these are the ones we know about.
*If you are a manufacturer that would like to add to this list, please contact me.
($270) AP-100AH
The first commercially available access point supporting IEEE’s 802.11ah wireless standard which is a long-range technology where a single access point can give you range up to 3 kilometers supporting up to 675 clients.
($438.00) Elastel EG500 IoT Gateway Wi-Fi HaLow Edition
An industrial IoT Gateway designed for IoT applications, especially those that use 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow technology. Leverage SX-NEWAH module from SilexTechnology, the first industrial IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi module, EG500 can be used as a Wi-Fi HaLow gateway or router for your IoT projects.
($270) BR-100AH
The first commercially available IEEE’s 802.11ah wireless enterprise bridge. It allows any ethernet device to communicate with other 802.11ah devices over a long-range Wi-Fi HaLow network, giving you the freedom to put it anywhere in your facility.
($165) AP7628-UHM
A small-sized (8 x 5 x 1.5 cm) Wi-Fi4 & Wi-Fi HaLow IoT Gateway Ethernet to USB C Dongle. USB drivers: Windows, MAC, UEFI (PXE, UNDI) and Linux supported. AP/STA/Bridge mode as well.
($165) AP7628-UHM
AP7688-WHM is a small-size 9 x 11.5cm, WiFi4 & Wi-Fi HaLow IoT Gateway with RS232 console for industrial control. Mediatek MT7688 chipset 580MHz MIPS Wi-Fi 4: Max Data Rate up to 150Mbps Morse Micro MM6108 Wi-Fi HaLow: Max Data Rate up to 32.8Mbps @ 8MHz Ch. BW
($100) HaLow-U
The world’s first USB Type-C HaLow AP / CPE (Customer Premise(s) Equipment). 802.11ah HaLow USB adapter Support AP & client mode with a Type C connector for Laptop PC powered by Power Bank.
($180) The Tube-AH outdoor series allows long range, ultra-low power Wi-Fi networks in sub 1 GHz license-exempt bands, utilizing compact, mast mounted enclosure.IEEE 802.11ah sub 1 GHz outdoor AP/CPE with single Fast Ethernet and PoE support. Ethernet with passive PoE and ESD protection (with support for optional 802.3at/af module) (5) Type-N antenna connector.
($unknown) 3 Best-In-Class Wi-Fi HaLow & BLE IoT Application Support.
Built-in Wi-Fi HaLow chipset support (mPCIe slot now longer used for HaLow). Built-in GPS chipset support. Longer range BLE with the addition of a BLE Front End Module or FEM (i.e. 1 km).
The Trimble SX12 is the one instrument you need to handle any surveying project by integrating surveying, imaging, and 3D scanning capabilities into your everyday workflow. With the addition of Wi-Fi HaLow technology, the SX12 can achieve long-range communication using a single radio link, while maintaining a robust and quick connection.
IEEE802.11ah, traditional Wi-Fi standards (IEEE802.11n/b/g) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) are implemented. By combining it with a solar battery (optional function), it can be installed in places where it is difficult to secure power supply.
Products, Sensors, Edge Devices and Apps
After setting up the Wi-Fi infrastructure, you can now install sensors, devices or apps to start using the data and range that HaLow provides.
The World's First 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow IoT Sensors. Vibration Shock Angle Environment (Temperature/Pressure/Humidity) Gas (Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs plus Volatile Sulphur Compounds or VSCs) Ventilation Effectiveness (C02 in Human Breath)
Monitor ventilation and improved Covid-Safety. Minimizing the risk of Covid transmission within indoor spaces is critical. Deviceworx has partnered with Sensirion AG to build an accurate, battery powered Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensor that can be very quickly deployed within public and private spaces
Low bandwidth communication app made for HaLow. Optional intranet deployed server for no internet premises, ships and mines.
$80【Long-distance Transmission】It has a simple installation, it can be used without a network and has a long transmission distance.
The first 802.11ah long range Wi-Fi outdoor wireless battery camera $199 (Please beware: the comments on Kickstarter aren’t positive)
- Contact UsWe are looking for HaLow related products for review, Guest Writers, Video Creators and more.
FAQs
The beginner's guide to Wi-Fi Halow
Find out what works best for you
What is Wi-Fi HaLow?
Wi-Fi HaLow is a wireless technology that operates on the 900 MHz frequency band, which is lower than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands used by traditional Wi-Fi networks. It is designed to provide longer range and lower power consumption than traditional Wi-Fi networks, making it ideal for IoT devices and other low-power applications.
What are the advantages of Wi-Fi HaLow?
It provides longer range and better penetration through walls and obstacles, making it well-suited for use in remote or outdoor locations. It also uses less power, which can extend battery life in IoT devices. Additionally, it can coexist with other wireless technologies without causing interference.
What are the limitations of Wi-Fi HaLow
It has a lower data transfer rate than traditional Wi-Fi networks, which means it may not be suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming or gaming. Additionally, because it operates on a lower frequency band, it may be subject to interference from other devices that use the same frequency range.
What devices support Wi-Fi HaLow?
Only a limited number of devices currently support Wi-Fi HaLow because it’s still new, but more and more IoT devices and sensors are starting to support it.
How is Wi-Fi HaLow different from other wireless technologies?
It operates on a lower frequency band than traditional Wi-Fi networks, which allows it to provide a longer range and better penetration through barriers. It also uses less power than traditional Wi-Fi networks, making it well-suited for IoT devices and other low-power applications.
What frequencies and channels are supported by HaLow and what bandwidths are achievable?
The channel bandwidth affects the data rate and the reach of wireless communication. The lower channel bandwidth is suitable for applications that require more extended reach with a lower data rate. When a higher data rate is required, the higher channel bandwidth increases the data rate while the distance becomes shorter. The table below shows the theoretical data rate in each channel bandwidth with the short GI (Guard Interval). Note that MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) is automatically adjusted.
The IEEE 802.11ah standard, which is used for Wi-Fi HaLow, supports several channel bandwidths including 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 MHz. However, the most commonly used channel bandwidth for Wi-Fi HaLow is 1 MHz for long range sensors and 8 Mhz for video or image related use cases.
The exact frequency range for each channel can vary depending on the country or region, but typically they range from 902 MHz to 928 MHz in the United States and from 863 MHz to 870 MHz in Europe.
What is the difference between LoRa and HaLow?
LoRa (short for Long Range) and Wi-Fi HaLow are both wireless technologies that are designed for low-power, long-range communication, but they differ in several ways:
- Frequency Band: Both LoRa and Wi-Fi HaLow operate on unlicensed sub-gigahertz frequency bands (868 MHz, or 915 MHz). Lora additional operates on 433 MHz.
- Network Topology: LoRa is typically used in a star or point-to-point network topology, where devices communicate directly with a gateway or concentrator. Wi-Fi HaLow, on the other hand, uses the traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure with access points.Wi-Fi Halow also supports Wi-Fi (Non-Mobile) mesh network via 802.11s
- Data Rate: Wi-Fi HaLow supports higher data rates compared to LoRa, with a maximum throughput of up to 15 Mbps. LoRa, on the other hand, typically provides data rates in the range of a few kilobits per second up to tens of kilobits per second.
- Protocol: Wi-Fi HaLow uses the standard IEEE 802.11 protocol, while LoRa uses a proprietary protocol developed by Semtech, the company that created LoRa technology. Wi-Fi HaLow supports Internet based applications with TCP/IP.
- Application: Wi-Fi HaLow is well-suited for IoT devices and other low-power applications that require higher data rates, while LoRa is often used in applications that require low data rates, super long-range communication, and low power consumption, such as smart agriculture, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring.
Both LoRa and Wi-Fi HaLow have their own advantages and disadvantages. Check what your requirements are first to find out which one will work better for you.
Halow vs NB-Iot
Wi-Fi HaLow and NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) are both wireless technologies that are designed for low-power, long-range communication for IoT devices, but they differ in several ways:
- Frequency Band: Wi-Fi HaLow operates on the 900 MHz frequency band, while NB-IoT operates on licensed cellular networks and are operated by the Telecommunications companies in each country. You cannot setup your own NB-IoT network.
- Network Topology: Wi-Fi HaLow uses the Access Point Based Wi-Fi infrastructure with access points, while NB-IoT uses a cellular network infrastructure with base stations.
- Data Rate: Wi-Fi HaLow supports higher data rates compared to NB-IoT, with a maximum throughput of up to 15 Mbps. NB-IoT, on the other hand, typically provides data rates in the range of a few kilobits per second.
- Coverage: NB-IoT provides better coverage in remote areas and indoor environments if the local telecommunications company has setup the 4G infrastructure. For Wi-Fi HaLow, you will need to setup your own coverage and coverage as be as good as you can physically control.
- Cost: Wi-Fi HaLow devices are typically less expensive compared to NB-IoT devices, as they do not require cellular network infrastructure and do not require a monthly subscription or data subscription. NB-IoT sensors would be cheaper as they are a more mature product line that has entered commercial availability.
- Latency: NB-Iot has latency of 1.6 seconds–10 seconds while Wi-Fi Halow latency is under 1 second.Wi-Fi HaLow has a lower latency compared to NB-IoT which makes it more suitable for applications that require real-time data transmission.
Both Wi-Fi HaLow and NB-IoT have their own advantages and disadvantages. Check your requirements to see which one will work better for you. It’s important to take things like the data rates, coverage width, latency and cost-effectiveness into account.
Halow vs LTE CAT M1
LTE CAT M1 and HaLow are so similar in terms of speed, latency and data rates that the only differences between them are the frequency and the ability to set up your own access point for HaLow. The following features of LTE CAT M1 (Category M1) as a low-power, wide-area (LPWA) wireless technology are very similar to Wi-Fi HaLow.
- Low Power Consumption: LTE CAT M1 is optimized for low-power consumption, which enables IoT devices to operate for several years on a single battery charge.
- High Reliability: LTE CAT M1 is designed to provide high reliability for IoT applications, with features such as retransmission and packet duplication to ensure reliable data transmission.
- Low Cost: LTE CAT M1 devices are typically less expensive compared to traditional cellular devices, which makes them more cost-effective for IoT deployments.
- Moderate Data Rates: LTE CAT M1 provides data rates in the range of a few hundred kilobits per second, which is suitable for many IoT applications that require periodic data transmission.
- Quality of Service: The LTE CAT M1 provides different levels of quality of service (QoS) for different types of IoT applications, such as priority handling for critical applications. For Wi-Fi HaLow, however, you can also get QoS through Wi-Fi standards.
The advantages of LTE CAT M1 (Category M1) against Wi-Fi HaLow
- Mobility: LTE CAT M1 supports handover between base stations while maintaining the connection, which makes it suitable for mobile applications.
- VoLTE: LTE CAT M1 (Category M1) is primarily designed for data transmission and is not optimized for voice calls. However, it is possible to make voice calls over LTE CAT M1 using Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, which is a voice and multimedia service that uses LTE data networks to provide high-quality voice and video calls.
- Wide Coverage: LTE CAT M1 provides better coverage in remote areas and indoor environments compared to traditional cellular networks. LTE CAT M1 provides better coverage in remote areas and indoor environments if the local telecommunications company has set up the 4G infrastructure. For Wi-Fi HaLow, you will need to setup your own coverage and coverage as be as good as you can physically control.
