Michael De Nil is the CEO and cofounder at Morse Micro—reinventing Wi-Fi for IoT.
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As our digital world continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the demands for wireless connectivity have never been greater. This surge in need is giving rise to a transformation in the wireless technology sector and the emergence of a new Wi-Fi protocol: Wi-Fi CERTIFIED HaLow.
Wi-Fi HaLow technology was developed to meet the long-range, low-power requirements of the Internet of Things (IoT). Broad deployment of this IoT-optimized protocol will redefine how smart devices, from AI cameras to environmental sensors, connect to the network edge and enhance wireless connectivity across a wide range of industries.
Wi-Fi HaLow builds on the foundation of the widely deployed IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard and takes it many steps further to enhance the IoT ecosystem. Wi-Fi HaLow isn't just about improving connectivity—it's about creating new possibilities in our connected world. It's designed with the future in mind, opening up new horizons for IoT applications by enhancing coverage, reach, power efficiency, network capacity and security.
As such, Wi-Fi HaLow stands as a strong pillar for the rapidly evolving digital era, designed to handle the connectivity demands of the future. The advent of Wi-Fi HaLow ushers in a new era for wireless connectivity, bringing a profusion of benefits to developers, service providers and end users alike.
A key advantage is the protocol's long-distance coverage, exceeding one kilometer and surpassing the reach of traditional Wi-Fi, Thread, Zigbee and other popular short-range wireless protocols for the IoT. This extended reach—coupled with the exceptional ability of sub-GHz Wi-Fi HaLow signals to penetrate walls and other solid barriers—enables stable, uninterrupted connections even for networks across sprawling campuses, factories, warehouses and smart city environments.
In the realm of security cameras, traditional security systems often depend on power over Ethernet (PoE) cabled cameras, which transmit data to a central storage device. This setup can limit camera placement and necessitates expensive, often complex cabling. The limited 100-meter range of standard Ethernet cabling may necessitate installation of additional active equipment in difficult-to-reach and/or outdoor locations.
Wi-Fi HaLow enables cameras at the network edge to connect wirelessly and operate for months—even years—on batteries, eliminating the need for costly, cumbersome PoE cabling.
The benefits of Wi-Fi HaLow connectivity extend to a multitude of sectors and applications. The protocol's long reach and high network capacity make Wi-Fi HaLow an ideal choice for IoT connectivity in hospitals, schools, colleges and universities with large campuses and extensive building automation requirements since a single Wi-Fi HaLow access point can connect more than 8,000 devices.
For example, Wi-Fi HaLow opens new doors for smart city development and innovative public services. For government agencies and public sector entities, the capabilities of Wi-Fi HaLow can help elevate operational efficiency. The technology's robust, long-range connectivity improves city operations by providing real-time data for traffic monitoring and enabling more responsive management systems.
Wi-Fi HaLow may also prove to be a game-changer for retailers—enabling them to track inventories, streamline supply chain processes and use real-time data for smart inventory management with the use of much longer range Wi-Fi HaLow video cameras, electronic labels/tags and point-of-sale systems. Enhanced connectivity also improves the customer experience, enabling personalized retail offers and seamless payment options.
Transitioning to a Wi-Fi HaLow connectivity strategy requires forward-thinking planning and strategic adaptations to both infrastructure and organizational practices. To begin, organizations should first conduct an internal audit of their current connectivity infrastructure and identify areas that would benefit most from HaLow's extended range and lower power consumption, especially in IoT environments. This should involve discussions with cross-functional teams to identify existing gaps in connectivity.
As with any new technology, there could be challenges organizations may face in the process. Wi-Fi is the most ubiquitous wireless communications protocol in use today. One of the key advantages of Wi-Fi HaLow is its compatibility with conventional Wi-Fi, which can facilitate a seamless and expedited integration into pre-existing infrastructures. However, organizations may face issues with other technology protocols that might not be compatible with Wi-Fi.
On the cybersecurity front, despite Wi-Fi HaLow's stringent adherence to IEEE 802.11 standards and its robust defense mechanisms like WPA3 authentication and AES encryption, vulnerabilities remain a concern. It becomes paramount for enterprises to recalibrate and rigorously vet their security protocols in line with HaLow's framework. Ultimately, the technology is but a tool; an organization's agility, foresight and unwavering dedication to continuous learning can pave the way for a smooth transition.
Ultimately, the need for long-range, low-power IoT connectivity is increasing exponentially, and Wi-Fi HaLow can be an ideal wireless solution. Although the technology is in its early stages of deployment, it holds great promise to transform the connectivity landscape across industries. As forward-looking businesses and organizations embrace this revolution, they should adapt their IT strategies to leverage Wi-Fi HaLow's unique set of capabilities. By doing so, they can stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced era of digital transformation.
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