Successful field test extends Wi-Fi HaLow signals over challenging terrain

Morse Micro has announced a live demonstration of Wi-Fi Certified HaLow technology, showcasing its ability to extend up to three kilometres (nearly two miles). The field test took place in San Francisco’s Ocean Beach neighbourhood and aimed to highlight the long-range capabilities of sub-GHz Wi-Fi HaLow signals in challenging real-world conditions.

Wi-Fi HaLow is a low-power, long-reach version of Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard. It offers significant advantages over traditional Wi-Fi technologies, including more than 10 times the range, 100 times the coverage area, and 1000 times the volume.

The protocol’s three kilometres range is enabled by Morse Micro’s Wi-Fi Certified HaLow system-on-chip (SoC) formula, which offers wireless capabilities for IoT applications.

Wi-Fi HaLow overcomes the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi by operating in the sub-GHz spectrum on narrow frequency bands. This approach allows Wi-Fi HaLow to penetrate obstacles and deliver improved performance, even in noisy environments with a high density of connected devices and cameras. In addition to extending wireless range, Wi-Fi HaLow also incorporates power-saving features that help to extend battery life.

“Our successful demo of Wi-Fi HaLow video call across three kilometres in a difficult, real-world urban environment is a major milestone for Wi-Fi connectivity, showcasing the wireless protocol’s incredible reach,” said Michael De Nil, a co-founder and CEO of Morse Micro. “Wi-Fi HaLow is a transformative technology that shatters the boundaries of today’s wireless connectivity. With its unparalleled range, exceptional low power consumption and superior throughput, Wi-Fi HaLow stands as the frontrunner in the IoT landscape. This is the future wireless connectivity, and it’s here today powered by Wi-Fi CERTIFIED HaLow technology.”

The rapid growth of IoT applications for smart homes, building and industrial automation, and wireless infrastructure has exposed limitations in terms of range and power efficiency.

Morse Micro recognised this challenge in 2016 and developed Wi-Fi HaLow to bridge the technological gaps. The momentum behind Wi-Fi HaLow is growing rapidly, with the Wi-Fi Alliance taking significant steps to promote the protocol’s connectivity benefits, extending the range of other existing Wi-Fi standards.