The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) recently announced the successful completion of real-world phase-two field trials of IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow. Promising reliable, long-range, low-power connectivity, Wi-Fi HaLow addresses a variety of IoT scenarios. The trials took place in North America, demonstrating the scalability and efficiency of Wi-Fi HaLow to serve challenging applications like dense urban settings and large industrial complexes.
The evaluation confirmed Wi-Fi HaLow performance at extended ranges, its improved material penetration capabilities, extended battery life, enhanced device density, and high level of security. Additional benefits include ease of installation and management, as well as elevated data throughput in IoT scenarios when compared with existing Wi-Fi standards.
Conducted by WBA key members and other industry participants, the trials focused on large-scale implementations and testing Wi-Fi HaLow in challenging environments.
Harnessing HaLow
Operating in the sub-1-GHz radio band, key features of Wi-Fi HaLow include the use of narrow channel bandwidths, an increased number of supported devices, and operating modes for battery-operated devices. It also offers high levels of security and native-IP support.
The “Wi-Fi HaLow for IoT: Field Trials Report” offers insights to drive innovation and strategic decisions across the Wi-Fi industry, along with a roadmap to harness Wi-Fi HaLow for new products and markets. The report also presents evidence-based strategies for enhancing network capabilities and service offerings, aiding understanding of Wi-Fi HaLow’s operational dynamics and advantages.
According to Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, “Each of these real-world field trials has been a huge success demonstrating the readiness and the benefits Wi-Fi HaLow standard can bring to a vast range of industries and use cases, improving performance and reducing complexity. We now move to the next phase, and are inviting industry players interested in participating in trials across EMEA and APAC to reach out. Your participation can help shape the future of IoT connectivity and drive innovation across various sectors.”
