what is Halow?

Category: WIreless Technologies

Wi-Fi HaLow, designated as 802.11ah, is a wireless networking protocol developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It’s a part of the IEEE 802.11 set of WLAN standards, but it differs significantly from most of its predecessors. Here are some key aspects of Wi-Fi HaLow:

  1. Frequency Band: Wi-Fi HaLow operates in the sub-1 GHz spectrum, specifically in the 900 MHz band. This is a lower frequency compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands used by most Wi-Fi technologies. The lower frequency allows for better range and material penetration.
  2. Range and Coverage: One of the most significant benefits of Wi-Fi HaLow is its extended range. It can cover roughly double the distance of conventional Wi-Fi, making it ideal for reaching into areas that were previously difficult to cover.
  3. Penetration: The lower frequency also allows for better penetration through obstacles like walls and floors, making Wi-Fi HaLow more reliable in challenging environments.
  4. Power Efficiency: Wi-Fi HaLow is designed to be more power-efficient, which is crucial for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that often run on batteries. This efficiency extends the battery life of connected devices.
  5. IoT Applications: Due to its range, penetration, and power efficiency, Wi-Fi HaLow is particularly well-suited for IoT applications, especially in scenarios where devices need to be connected over larger areas or in challenging environments, like smart homes, agricultural settings, industrial sites, and smart cities.
  6. Device Connectivity: It supports a larger number of connected devices over a single access point compared to traditional Wi-Fi, which is beneficial for IoT environments where many devices need to be connected.
  7. Security and IP Support: Wi-Fi HaLow retains the high levels of security and native IP support that are characteristic of traditional Wi-Fi standards.

In summary, Wi-Fi HaLow extends the benefits of Wi-Fi to IoT applications, offering solutions to the unique challenges posed by the need for long-range, low-power, high-penetration wireless connectivity. It’s particularly relevant as the number of IoT devices continues to grow, requiring new solutions for connectivity.

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