Breakthrough in Wireless Technology: Wi-Fi HaLow

Wi-Fi HaLow, a low-power, long-range wireless technology based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, has achieved a new milestone by demonstrating a 10-mile range in real-world tests. Morse Micro, the company behind this groundbreaking technology, previously held a 2-mile record for video call connectivity. The HaLow variant operates in the sub-GHz range (850-950 MHz), allowing it to penetrate walls and buildings efficiently, and is capable of connecting numerous IoT devices over longer distances.

In February, Morse Micro showcased its capabilities with a record 1.8-mile video call. Recently, the company conducted trials in Joshua Tree National Park, an area known for vast open spaces and minimal RF interference. This test pushed HaLow's range to an impressive 16 kilometers (10 miles), surpassing previous records by a significant margin.

The setup for this test included Morse Micro’s MM6108-EKH01 evaluation kit, a Raspberry Pi 4, and an MM6108-MF08651 Wi-Fi HaLow module. The system emitted 21 dBm of power through a 1 dBi antenna, resulting in a total radiated power of 22 dBm. The purpose was to evaluate HaLow’s performance with standard equipment. Theoretical calculations, taking into account factors like signal strength and antenna gain, estimated the maximum range to be 15.9 kilometers. During field tests at Joshua Tree, the system managed a 2 Mbps UDP throughput at maximum range, proving HaLow's capability to sustain long-distance connectivity with useful data rates.

HaLow is not just about extending range; its power efficiency can drastically improve battery life for devices running on coin batteries, allowing them to operate for several months without replacement. Discussing the breakthrough, Morse Micro stated, "Our testing at Joshua Tree National Park proves that our Wi-Fi HaLow technology is not only about achieving impressive numbers but also about delivering tangible benefits in critical environments. This demonstrates our capability to reach theoretical maximum ranges while offering substantial and usable throughput, whether for remote rural areas or expansive IoT implementations."

Earlier, SSP wrote that Air France brought Starlink to its entire fleet.