Wi-Fi HaLow increases wireless range and reduces power consumption

Wi-Fi HaLow is expected to have a wide-range of IoT applications from smart homes and connected cars to the Industrial Internet of Things and wearables, according to the Wi-Fi Alliance.

As the Internet of Things begins to gain momentum in 2016, the need for low-power Wi-Fi alternatives has never been higher.

Wi-Fi HaLow operates in frequency bands below one gigahertz, offering longer range and lower power connectivity. Operating in sub 1GHz bands results in low power consumption thus improving battery backup times in smart devices.

The technology extends Wi-Fi into the 900 MHz band, enabling the low power connectivity necessary for applications including sensors and wearables.

The first set of Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled devices are set to ship sometime in 2018.

Wi-Fi HaLow’s range is almost twice that of current Wi-Fi devices, and it also offers a more robust connection in challenging environments where the signal must penetrate walls and barriers.

“Wi-Fi Alliance programs have been instrumental in shaping and guiding the industry”, said Phil Solis, ABI Research. On Monday morning, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced a brand new Wi-Fi standard that represents a big step forward for wireless communications. Wi-Fi Alliance assures that you can expect multi-vendor interoperability, strong government-grade security and easy setup with the Wi-Fi HaLow. Zigbee, Z-Wave and Bluetooth Smart have all leaped ahead of Wi-Fi for smart home connectivity, leading to an explosion in devices supporting competing standards and potential consumer confusion.

Implementer members may include in their products unmodified Wi-Fi modules or systems certified by other Wi-Fi Alliance members, and those products may use the Wi-Fi Certified logo and be listed in the Wi-Fi Certified Product Finder.

With millions invested across a range of technologies, it’s doubtful that manufacturers will converge around HaLow as the smart home connectivity standard.

When are Wi-Fi HaLow devices likely to appear? Wi-Fi Alliance has certified more than 25,000 products, delivering the best user experience and encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services in new and established markets.