HaLow, a technology we’ve been following since 2016 as a Wi-Fi extension tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT), has recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone. Morse Micro, a key player in this field, demonstrated the world’s first live application of Wi-Fi HaLow, 802.11ah, showcasing a remarkable 3-kilometer reach. This achievement set a record for a long-range video call covering nearly two miles.
HaLow
Wi-Fi HaLow is designed as a low-power, extended-range version of Wi-Fi, adhering to the IEEE 802.11ah standard. Operating in the sub-GHz range (850-950 MHz), it possesses the capability to penetrate obstacles, walls, and buildings, facilitating the connection of a larger number of IoT devices at significantly longer distances while consuming much lower power. The technology boasts an impressive performance, offering 10 times the range, 100 times the coverage area, and 1000 times the volume compared to traditional Wi-Fi technologies.
Morse Micro’s successful demonstration, powered by its own system-on-chip (SoC), took place in San Francisco’s Ocean Beach neighborhood. The showcase highlighted HaLow’s ability to achieve long distances in challenging real-world conditions. During the test reaching three kilometers, the speed dropped from 17Mbps at the 250-meter mark to 1Mbps. Despite the reduced speed, the connection remained sufficient for the ongoing video call.
Wi-Fi HaLow’s significance extends beyond distance; its power-saving capabilities can significantly prolong battery life. This aspect could be transformative, particularly for devices utilizing coin batteries, enabling them to operate for months without requiring a battery change.
Michael De Nil, co-founder and CEO of Morse Micro, emphasized the importance of the successful Wi-Fi HaLow video call across three kilometers in a real-world urban setting as a major milestone for Wi-Fi connectivity. He highlighted the technology’s unparalleled range, exceptional low power consumption, and superior throughput, positioning Wi-Fi HaLow as a leader in the IoT landscape.
While Wi-Fi HaLow has showcased its remarkable capabilities, it faces competition from other technologies. LoRa/LoraWAN (Long Range) is a notable rival, offering low power, wide range, cost-effective connectivity, and performing well over long, challenging terrains. Additionally, NB-IoT (NarrowBand-Internet of Things), an extension of LTE, provides low-bandwidth communication on licensed mobile networks.
