[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Transformative Role of Wi-Fi

WiFi HaLow is a topic that piqued my interest a few months back. Wi-Fi has been a game-changer, turbocharging the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. From sensors that precisely track device locations in expansive warehouses to health monitors and climate control sensors, Wi-Fi has been a connectivity player. And now, stepping up is WiFi HaLow.

To give you some perspective: Wi-Fi 4, riding on the IEEE 802.11n standard, is a time-tested technology, perfect for your daily emails, online shopping sprees, and binge-watching on your Smart TV. Moving a step further, Wi-Fi 6 represents the cutting edge in Wi-Fi connectivity, bringing enhanced energy savings, which is great for supporting IoT capabilities in certain setups, all the while managing bandwidth-intensive tasks.

However, Industry 4.0 often demands more – connections that stretch farther, signals that can navigate through multiple walls, and devices that can run for months or even years on just one battery charge.

That’s where Wi-Fi HaLow comes into the game.

The Technical Edge of WiFi HaLow

When talking about coverage, radio waves operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands have their limits; they just can’t stretch as far as waves at lower frequencies, like the 915 MHz. That’s where Wi-Fi HaLow steps in, stealing the spotlight by choosing to dance in the sub-1 GHz spectrum, achieving deeper penetration and a broader reach.

In the USA, the beat is set between 902 MHz to 928 MHz. Down under, in Australia and New Zealand, it’s the 915 MHz to 928 MHz groove. Meanwhile, Europe with 7 MHz of the spectrum spread between the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands

Comparing Connectivity Technologies

They placed Wi-Fi HaLow under the microscope alongside other IoT tech contenders, sizing them up based on some critical metrics.

Here’s the lineup:

Data Rates: How does each tech stack up in terms of maximum PHY data rates?
Range: Who takes the crown for maximum reach in rural settings?
Battery Life: Picture devices transmitting every 10 minutes. Now, how many months can they last without a recharge?
IP Network Integration Ease: A qualitative face-off looking at things like protocol conversion requirements, operating system support, and discovery protocol enablement.
Installation & Operation Efficiency: Imagine running a network with a whopping 10,000 devices for two years. Who is providing the most value for the money spent?
Scalability: Focusing on capacity per BSS/AP and how many devices an AP can support.

The contenders are:

Unlicensed Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs): LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and Wi-SUN.
PAN and LAN Heroes: Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy, Z-Wave, and the classic 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Licensed Wide-Area Heavyweights: NB-IoT and LTE-M.

Wi-Fi HaLow stands out for its ability to access and manage devices through IP addresses, which is crucial. The need for remote control and access to connected devices in today’s digital world cannot be overstated.

At CES 2023, Newracom presented a practical demonstration of Wi-Fi HaLow’s capabilities, effortlessly connecting cameras, sensors, and smart shelf tags through a single Wi-Fi HaLow access point.

Deep Dive into LoRaWAN and Wi-Fi HaLow’s Capabilities

Although both Wi-Fi HaLow and LoRaWAN fall under the Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) category, WiFi HaLow is positioned for broader adoption, especially where other LPWAN technologies might falter.

LoRaWAN: Known for its long-range capabilities, LoRaWAN can reach an impressive 766 kilometers in optimal conditions. However, in everyday scenarios, it averages around 5 km in urban areas and up to 10 km in rural settings with a clear line of sight.

Wi-Fi HaLow: Advertised with a 1 km range, field tests have shown it often surpasses expectations. In clear conditions, it’s reached up to 3 km for data communications and transmitted video over distances of 600 meters. Additionally, Wi-Fi HaLow offers adaptive configurations and the potential for mesh networking, allowing it to connect a wide array of devices over extended areas.

In terms of data transfer, Wi-Fi HaLow holds a significant edge over LoRaWAN with speeds ranging from 150 Kbps to over 15 Mbps. This speed advantage can be particularly useful for timely updates and more data-intensive applications. Moreover, the battery efficiency of both technologies promises prolonged device operation, although exact durations will depend on specific use cases and environmental factors.

Both LoRaWAN and Wi-Fi HaLow prioritize security in their operations. However, WiFi HaLow ups the ante by integrating the latest WPA3 security technology. What’s more, it boasts the added benefit of facilitating remote updates for devices, ensuring they remain shielded against new vulnerabilities. In the dynamic world of IoT, where security is key, this ensures devices remain not only protected but also up-to-date against potential threats.

IoT Device Energy Efficiency Comparison:

The IMEC research group embarked on a study to dissect the energy efficiency of various sub-1 GHz wireless technologies. On one hand, they assessed long-range technologies such as NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, and Sigfox. On the flip side, they juxtaposed Wi-SUN, based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee standard, against Wi-Fi HaLow.

To level the playing field, the study assumed data packet transmissions of 12 bytes every 10 minutes, accommodating Sigfox for an apples-to-apples comparison. While 12 bytes might seem modest for Wi-Fi HaLow, in real-world scenarios, it can handle much larger packets at considerably higher speeds. Rooted in specific assumptions, the study painted a clear picture of energy consumption and battery longevity across these sub-1 GHz technologies.

The study casts a spotlight on Wi-Fi HaLow’s battery longevity, spanning across various battery capacities common in IoT technologies. Picture this: even with compact batteries, like the 3-volt coin cell boasting a 250 mAh capacity or the standard 1.5-volt AA alkaline with an average 2,000 mAh capacity, Wi-Fi HaLow champions over a year and a half of operation. And this is in the demanding IoT environment, with transmissions occurring every 10 minutes.

This research underscores Wi-Fi HaLow’s suitability for IoT devices running on smaller batteries and highlights its edge over other technologies in battery longevity across a broad spectrum of applications.

Choosing the Right Hardware: Spotlight on Quectel

When searching for a module, a standout option comes from the well-regarded manufacturer, Quectel. If you’re interested, you can explore a variety of modules on the Quectel modules page, including those with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi HaLow capabilities.

For those familiar with Linux, the significance of drivers is clear. Therefore, it’s crucial to check if this module offers Linux support. For a deeper dive, it’s worth checking out Quectel’s official website.

In a nutshell, this module boasts the following features:

• Operates as a Wi-Fi HaLow module with a frequency range of 850-950MHz.
• Provides robust encryption including AES, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512, and is WPA3 compatible.
• Features an SDIO 2.0 interface for long-distance transmissions and energy efficiency.
• Promotes swift development with its streamlined design.
• Operates across a wide temperature range, from -30°C up to +85°C.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]