Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) Enabling Long-Range, Scalable Industrial IoT Connectivity

Industrial IoT deployments require reliable, long-range, and energy-efficient wireless communication. Traditional Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) often lacks sufficient range and penetration, while LPWAN technologies may not support full IP networking or higher data throughput.

Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) operates in the sub-GHz frequency band and bridges this gap. It combines extended range, strong wall penetration, native IP support, and scalable network architecture — making it a powerful solution for industrial edge deployments.

This whitepaper explains the technology behind HaLow, its advantages over traditional wireless standards, and how industrial-grade modules such as GW16159 and GW16167 enable robust IoT infrastructure.

1. What is Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah)?

Wi-Fi HaLow is an extension of the IEEE 802.11 family operating in sub-GHz frequency bands (typically 850–950 MHz depending on region). Compared to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, the lower frequency provides:

• Longer communication range
• Improved signal penetration through walls and obstacles
• Lower power consumption
• Better performance in large-area industrial environments

Unlike LPWAN solutions, HaLow supports native IP networking, enabling direct integration into existing IT infrastructures without protocol translation.

2. Why Sub-GHz Matters

Lower frequencies travel farther and penetrate obstacles more effectively.

In industrial environments such as factories, warehouses, energy facilities, and smart infrastructure projects, radio signals must pass through:

• Concrete walls
• Metal structures
• Machinery
• Outdoor vegetation

Sub-GHz communication reduces attenuation and improves reliability, reducing the number of access points required.

Result: Lower infrastructure cost and higher system stability.

3. HaLow vs Traditional Wireless Technologies

Compared to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi:

• 10x longer range (environment dependent)
• Better penetration
• Lower interference in congested environments

Compared to LPWAN (e.g., LoRa-type systems):

• Higher data rates (up to 43.3 Mbps depending on implementation)
• Native TCP/IP support
• Standard Wi-Fi security architecture
• Scalable network topologies

HaLow combines the range advantage of LPWAN with the networking flexibility of Wi-Fi.

4. Industrial Use Cases

Wi-Fi HaLow is well suited for:

• Predictive maintenance sensor networks
• Large warehouse monitoring
• Smart agriculture
• Smart city infrastructure
• Fleet & asset tracking
• Utility metering
• Distributed energy systems

Its ability to maintain stable connectivity across large industrial areas makes it ideal for edge computing architectures.

5. Gateworks HaLow Modules for Industrial Integration

GW16159 – HaLow M.2 Module (VeniceFLEX)

• 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow
• 902–928 MHz
• Up to 32.5 Mbps
• Up to +26.5 dBm transmit power
• M.2 E-Key 2242
• SDIO interface (optimized for VeniceFLEX SBCs)

Designed for tight integration into Gateworks VeniceFLEX industrial single-board computers.

GW16167 – HaLow with Morse Micro MM8108

• 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow
• 850–950 MHz
• Up to 43.3 Mbps
• Up to +26 dBm transmit power
• M.2 E-Key 2230
• USB 2.0 interface (optional SDIO/SPI)
• Standard Linux IP networking support

Built around the Morse Micro MM8108 chipset, enabling next-generation long-range performance with flexible integration into Gateworks industrial SBC platforms.

6. Architecture at the Industrial Edge

In a typical deployment:

Sensors → HaLow Node → Gateworks SBC → Edge Processing → Secure Cloud Connection

HaLow enables:

• Distributed sensor clusters
• Reduced gateway density
• Direct IP communication
• Secure edge-to-cloud pipelines

When combined with industrial single-board computers, HaLow becomes part of a scalable edge computing framework.

7. Security and Network Management

Wi-Fi HaLow supports standard Wi-Fi security mechanisms including WPA3.
Because it operates within IP-based networking stacks:

• Standard firewall architectures can be applied
• VPN tunneling is supported
• Secure OTA updates can be implemented
• Integration into existing enterprise networks is simplified

This reduces complexity compared to proprietary wireless protocols.

8. Deployment Advantages

Key benefits for industrial customers:

• Reduced infrastructure cost
• Long-term availability hardware
• Lower maintenance effort
• Scalable node density
• Secure, standards-based networking

HaLow is not a niche technology. It is a strategic wireless layer for industrial edge systems.

9. Conclusion

Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) represents a new class of industrial wireless communication. By operating in the sub-GHz band while maintaining full IP compatibility, it enables long-range, scalable, and secure IoT networks.

Combined with industrial-grade embedded platforms such as Gateworks SBCs and professional system integration, HaLow provides a future-proof foundation for modern Industrial IoT deployments.

Long-range. Reliable. Industrial-ready.

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