Wi-Fi HaLow clearly meets, and in many cases exceeds, the key requirements for IoT connectivity and applications. The ability to accommodate a massive number of IoT use cases spanning in range, data rate, and energy efficiency is paramount for IoT technology to succeed. Wi-Fi HaLow sub-1 GHz operation and narrow channels enable a longer range, approximately one kilometer, as well as improved penetration through walls and obstructions. A unique power saving feature suite enables lower device energy consumption yielding increased energy efficiency, multi-year battery operation, and support for coin cell batteries. It supports a wide variety of data rates that accommodate use cases from low data sensor networks to high data rate video systems. New Wi-Fi HaLow PHY and MAC capabilities support thousands of devices per AP while improving radio spectrum use.
Because it is a part of the IEEE 802.11 and Wi-Fi portfolio, Wi‑Fi HaLow is an open standard, providing for more efficient installation and operating cost without the need for proprietary controllers, hubs, or gateways. A Wi-Fi HaLow network can be deployed in the presence of existing Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6 networks without interfering with their RF performance. Native IP support and the advanced security of WPA3™ make accessing cloud-based applications and over-the-air updates more streamlined and secure.
Relevant comparison studies show Wi-Fi HaLow to be many times more energy efficient than other wireless technologies. More data can be transferred per Joule of energy, ensuring longer device battery lifetimes. Its star-oriented architecture with long distance connections removes the data bottlenecks and latencies imposed by mesh networks. As part of the complete Wi-Fi portfolio, Wi-Fi HaLow delivers a more comprehensive approach to connectivity, and broadens current Wi-Fi coverage to hard-to-reach places such as garages, basements, attics, warehouses, factories, and large outdoor areas. Wi-Fi HaLow enables network designers to deploy IoT networks using a single, standards-based, IP-ready, reliable architecture without having to sacrifice simplicity and efficiency.