Wi-Fi HaLow can be defined as the advanced long range and low power version of Wi-Fi that boosts Internet of Things connections of the system. It is based on the IEEE 802.11ah features. In the upcoming years, it is expected to be used for smart homes, connected cars and smart devices for establishing the connection between numerous of battery operated sensors and a single Wi-Fi.
Akin to all other processes, Wi-Fi HaLow would also be requiring a certification process which will be launched by Wi-Fi Alliance. However, supporting devices will be entering the market soon. But, finalization IEEE 802.11 ah will be taking some more time.
How Will It Operate?
It will run under unlicensed wireless spectrum with range below 1 GHz. This will allow to penetrate through walls and obstructions easily due to the low-frequency radio waves having propagation capabilities. A great thing about this is, it will be having double range in contrast to range of existing Wi-Fis. This range could be approximately 1 kilometer. The trade-off with low power 802.11ah will be below 7 Gbps, but this will be the maximum for Wi-Fi 802.11ac.
In the future era, the maximum range for Wi-Fi HaLow equipment will be approved up to maximum of 18 Mbps. The lowest range will be 150Kbps which can be acquired by 1 MHz. Although, 18Mbps can be acquired, but for that 4 MHz wide channel is essential. Also, 78 Mbps will also become possible with the help of 16 Mhz channel. Above all, the true fact is Wi-Fi Alliance will only certify channels up to 4 MHz.
Battery operated sensors operate and transmit periodic short bursts of data, so the low rate of Wi-FI HaLow can make a minor impact on upcoming IoT applications. A faster throughput can make a bit of difference, when it comes to high definition video and other data consuming applications.
Impact On Iot Devices And Applications
A sensor based water pump or water leak detector of an industrial plant will avail the benefit from Wi-Fi HaLow. As an example, consider the signal that could carry 900 MHz of signal via concrete wall at a low power and within the rest of the network within the cloud. As per a few analysis, Wi-Fi HaLow has its presence within business and consumer markets. When it comes to smart city, smart parking meters can be connected to the centralized access point.
Technically, low power capability for access points and nodes means transmission of low power that will allow the device to sweep longer. This can help leak detector or smoke detector in some or the other way. Also, with its amazing features, it will allow the device to run for several months or even years using their batteries.
A few sources has also revealed that APs will acts as triband, that is, support HaLow in 900 MHz band along with existing 2.4 GHz and 5GHz band. Companies will look forward to purchase upgraded equipment to avail HaLow properties, but it can be just a part of natural upgrade process for some people.
In addition to all these advantages, Wi-Fi Halow will also bequeath perks to industrial users and developers by sharing multiple aspects of existing Wi-Fi protocol along with strong government grade security, multi-vendor interoperability and easy set-up. Moreover, it will also assist by serving support to Internet Protocol characteristics intensely. It can be concluded that Wi-Fi HaLow and its lucrative features can bring a huge number of advantages in the upcoming years throughout IoT technology, no matter it is single device or a whole system.
