Michael De Nil is the CEO and cofounder at Morse Micro—reinventing Wi-Fi for IoT.
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The Internet of Things (IoT) promises a future where everything is intelligent and connected. IoT impacts how we live, propels novel business models and revolutionizes virtually every industry it touches.
Last year saw significant upgrades in smart home technology, and 2024 will continue this trend. Matter, a standardized approach for smart home devices to communicate with each other in its third iteration, enables secure, seamless connectivity between devices from different manufacturers. More companies are moving to introduce Matter-certified products, which address consumer concerns about how new devices might (or might not) work with existing ecosystems. By the end of 2024, there will be more than 17 billion connected IoT endpoints worldwide as new features and capabilities drive this adoption.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) make it possible for manufacturers to create new device classes that can learn from routines and preferences. This means the technology we introduce into our homes will be more accurate and responsive to what we want. We’ll also see our devices become more efficient with intelligent sensors and learning algorithms to better manage energy consumption, while connected thermostats adapt home energy consumption based on lifestyles or seasonal patterns.
What makes a device truly smart is internet connectivity, and Wi-Fi has become the de facto wireless protocol for connecting devices to the internet. However, its reach and power efficiency make it less than ideal for battery-operated or low-power devices.
Wi-Fi HaLow Trends In 2024
Addressing these demands, Wi-Fi HaLow, a sub-GHz protocol grounded in the IEEE 802.11ah standard and certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, is rapidly becoming a linchpin in IoT ecosystems. Developers are taking notice, as Wi-Fi HaLow got plenty of attention at 2024's Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2024). Below are some of the trends we are seeing related to Wi-Fi HaLow today and how it stands to reshape the Internet of Things.
1. A Focus On Smart Cameras
Wi-Fi HaLow emerged as the preferred protocol for many of the latest smart security cameras. With its long-range and ultra-low power capabilities, Wi-Fi HaLow enables smart cameras to be installed in places they may never have reached before and run on smaller batteries with fewer recharges.
However, due to the absence of a universal standard for Wi-Fi HaLow, some smart camera deployments may be subject to additional regulatory restrictions when compared to those leveraging different wireless technologies.
2. Industrial IoT (IIoT) Revolution
Wi-Fi HaLow's capability to penetrate obstacles and function in demanding environments is well-suited for various IIoT and factory automation applications. The efficient connectivity offered by its long-range, sub-GHz nature proves advantageous for sensors, machinery and IoT devices in factories, as well as warehouses and intelligent manufacturing processes.
Its lower frequency band may result in more moderate data transfer rates compared to traditional Wi-Fi, and developers may face initial challenges integrating Wi-Fi HaLow devices with existing industrial systems and protocols. However, with careful planning and tailored solutions, Wi-Fi HaLow IIoT devices can unlock significant efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness.
3. Convergence Of AI And IoT
AI-driven analytics is instrumental in mining insights from the colossal amount of data generated by IoT, optimizing operations, enabling predictive maintenance and refining decision-making processes.
Highlighting the influence of AI, Global Insights foresees significant growth at a CAGR of 31.7% between 2022 and 2029. This trend is expected to result in the proliferation of Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled IoT products integrated with AI.
4. Innovations In Network Infrastructure
Wi-Fi HaLow is being adopted as an additional backhaul (alongside the traditional 2.4GHz/5GHz backhaul) in mesh access points. Functioning as the control plane, a Wi-Fi HaLow backhaul can oversee low-throughput, small-packet network traffic, while the 2.4GHz/5GHz backhaul caters to high-bandwidth, low-latency applications. This leads to enhanced channel utilization and increased network efficiency.
Wi-Fi HaLow is also set to be adopted as a backhaul for IoT hubs and routers, improving the flexibility and range of IoT hub deployments and offering superior obstacle penetration.
As Wi-Fi HaLow continues to emerge as a technology, its ongoing standardization process plays a crucial role in guaranteeing compatibility, interoperability and dependable performance across networks. Through the standardization of performance requirements and certification programs, I believe a dynamic ecosystem of Wi-Fi HaLow network infrastructure technology is poised to take shape.
5. Advancements And Growing Interest
Due to its long-range and penetration capabilities, Wi-Fi HaLow is effective for areas such as asset tracking, logistics, inventory control and real-time monitoring of goods in transit. While many applications have already been deployed for years, others are still undergoing development.
For instance, Wi-Fi HaLow is being explored for healthcare applications such as patient monitoring, which requires regulatory compliance. Standardization, ecosystem development and interoperability will help make Wi-Fi HaLow more applicable across a broader variety of use cases.
6. Bridging IoT Connectivity Gaps
Wi-Fi HaLow is gaining traction with its ability to reach distances up to 3 kilometers, addressing previous concerns about its range capabilities. This improvement makes it more suitable for a wide range of IoT applications from industrial settings to smart cities and smart agriculture.
The global increase in spectrum availability for Wi-Fi HaLow is enhancing its deployment potential. It allows for greater flexibility and scalability in implementing Wi-Fi HaLow networks across regions, further bolstering its attractiveness for IoT solutions. These developments, combined with efforts to ensure device interoperability and compliance with regulatory standards, are crucial for leveraging Wi-Fi HaLow's full potential.
Obstacles And Opportunities
Wi-Fi HaLow holds immense promise for use cases requiring long-range, high-throughput and low-power connectivity. While awareness of its utility for long-range, low-power use cases is growing, introducing any new standard brings compatibility concerns. To address this, I believe 2024 will see more Matter products introduced.
Switching to Wi-Fi HaLow involves careful planning and adjustments in both technology and company practices. Organizations should start by reviewing their current network setup to see where HaLow's longer range and efficiency could help. This includes team discussions to pinpoint connectivity weaknesses.
Finally, despite its strong security features (like WPA3 and AES), Wi-Fi HaLow faces potential security risks. Companies need to update and thoroughly check their security measures to align with HaLow's specifications. Success in adopting HaLow depends on a company's ability to adapt, foresee future needs and commit to ongoing improvement.
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