Wi-Fi HaLow vs. Cellular IoT: A Detailed Comparison

Both Wi-Fi HaLow and Cellular IoT offer powerful solutions for connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices across diverse applications. However, their working principles, environments, and strengths vary significantly, making each ideal for specific use cases. While Wi-Fi HaLow excels in long-range, low-power communication for fixed environments, Cellular IoT thrives in mobile, wide-area applications.

 

Related Products: 

  • Wi-Fi HaLow Gateways/Routers
  • Wi-Fi HaLow End Devices
  • Wi-Fi Halow – Cloud, Server, PC & Mobile Systems
  • Wi-Fi HaLow Accessories
  • Wi-Fi HaLow Resources
  • Cellular IoT Accessories
  • Cellular IoT Devices
  • Cellular IoT – Cloud, Server, PC & Mobile Systems
  • Cellular IoT Resources

 

Working Principles: Frequencies, Modulation Techniques, and Communication Protocols

Wi-Fi HaLow:

Operates in the sub-1 GHz frequency band, typically around 900 MHz. Its low frequency allows for long-range communication while using minimal power. Wi-Fi HaLow utilizes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation and is based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard. It’s designed to support a large number of devices with relatively high throughput, making it perfect for connecting sensors, meters, and smart devices across wide areas, particularly in environments where cellular connectivity is limited.

 

Cellular IoT

Includes technologies such as NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) and LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines), both operating on licensed cellular spectrums. NB-IoT and LTE-M use Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) and Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) modulation techniques, respectively. Cellular IoT communicates via existing 4G and 5G networks, offering extensive coverage, even in remote areas, and benefits from the reliable infrastructure of mobile networks.

 

Commonality:

Both Wi-Fi HaLow and Cellular IoT are designed for low-power IoT communication, but while Wi-Fi HaLow focuses on local-area connectivity, Cellular IoT leverages broader cellular networks.

 

Work Conditions and Best-Suited Environments

Wi-Fi HaLow:

Is ideal for environments that require low-power, long-range communication over fixed, localized areas. Its ability to penetrate walls and obstacles makes it well-suited for industrial applications, such as factory automation or smart agriculture. For instance, a smart farm could deploy Wi-Fi HaLow to monitor soil moisture and weather conditions over vast tracts of land, providing real-time updates to central systems with minimal power consumption.

 

Cellular IoT:

Shines in mobile applications that require connectivity across wide geographic areas. It’s highly suitable for transportation, fleet management, and logistics. For example, a fleet of delivery trucks can use Cellular IoT to track vehicle locations in real time, ensuring that operations run smoothly even when vehicles cross into remote regions where other types of connectivity may be scarce.

 

Combined Use:

In some scenarios, using both Wi-Fi HaLow and Cellular IoT can offer an optimal solution. A factory might use Wi-Fi HaLow for local machine monitoring and Cellular IoT to transmit the collected data back to a central management system, ensuring seamless operation both on-site and across remote locations.

 

Benefits and Strengths

Wi-Fi HaLow:

Provides the advantage of low-power consumption with an extended communication range, making it ideal for applications requiring long battery life and stable connectivity in hard-to-reach locations. It supports numerous devices per access point, which makes it highly scalable for industrial IoT setups like smart metering in utilities. Wi-Fi HaLow can be implemented in smart city projects where extensive sensor networks are required, providing efficient, low-cost connectivity.

 

Cellular IoT:

Benefits from the vast infrastructure of mobile networks, offering unparalleled coverage across cities, rural areas, and even cross-border regions. Its ability to support mobility makes it an excellent choice for real-time asset tracking, connected vehicles, and telematics. For instance, shipping companies can track shipments across continents, leveraging Cellular IoT’s connectivity in both urban and remote areas.

 

Combined Benefits:

When integrated, Wi-Fi HaLow and Cellular IoT can complement each other in smart city applications. For example, Wi-Fi HaLow could connect streetlights, traffic sensors, and parking systems, while Cellular IoT could be used for mobile services like connected emergency vehicles or public transport systems, ensuring uninterrupted communication as they move across the city.

 

Technology Standards

Wi-Fi HaLow:

Adheres to the IEEE 802.11ah standard, designed for long-range, low-power IoT communication. It ensures interoperability with existing Wi-Fi ecosystems while providing extended range and reduced power consumption for IoT applications.

 

Cellular IoT:

Follows standards such as 3GPP Release 13 and beyond, which define protocols for NB-IoT and LTE-M. These standards ensure the efficient use of spectrum, optimized connectivity for IoT devices, and compatibility with existing cellular infrastructure, making it easier for organizations to deploy solutions without investing in additional infrastructure.

 

International Government Standards and Regulations

Wi-Fi HaLow:

Devices must comply with regulations governing the use of sub-1 GHz frequencies. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulates frequency allocation to ensure that Wi-Fi HaLow operates without interfering with other wireless systems. In the European Union, compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is essential, while in other regions, additional certifications may be required depending on local regulations.

 

Cellular IoT:

Must adhere to various international standards depending on the cellular network provider’s location. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) governs Cellular IoT technologies globally, ensuring that these devices meet performance, reliability, and safety standards for mobile networks.

 

U.S. Government Standards and Regulations

Wi-Fi HaLow:

In the U.S. is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which defines the allowable frequency ranges and power limits for unlicensed sub-1 GHz wireless communication. Devices operating on Wi-Fi HaLow must meet FCC regulations to ensure they do not interfere with other communication systems.

 

Cellular IoT:

Is subject to FCC regulations regarding cellular spectrum use. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) oversees applications related to transportation, requiring compliance with safety and operational standards for IoT devices used in critical infrastructure like smart highways and connected vehicles.

 

Canadian Government Standards and Regulations

In Canada, Wi-Fi HaLow must comply with regulations set by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which oversees the allocation of radio frequencies for unlicensed wireless communication. Wi-Fi HaLow devices must be certified to ensure they meet Canadian standards for safety, efficiency, and non-interference with other wireless services.

Cellular IoT is also regulated by ISED, with additional oversight from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Cellular IoT devices operating on licensed spectrum must comply with Canadian regulations governing mobile network operations, ensuring they adhere to the required performance and safety standards for critical applications like telematics and fleet management.

 

GAO Case Studies

  • San Francisco, California – In a smart transportation initiative, Wi-Fi HaLow was used to connect traffic lights, while Cellular IoT enabled real-time tracking of buses and trains, ensuring efficient public transit management.
  • Dallas, Texas – An agricultural company deployed Wi-Fi HaLow sensors to monitor irrigation systems across large fields, while Cellular IoT transmitted the data to a centralized management system for remote monitoring.
  • Seattle, Washington – A fleet management company used Cellular IoT to track delivery trucks across several states, while Wi-Fi HaLow sensors monitored warehouse environments, ensuring goods were stored under optimal conditions.
  • Boston, Massachusetts – Wi-Fi HaLow enabled a large university to connect IoT devices across its sprawling campus, while Cellular IoT supported real-time GPS tracking of university vehicles, ensuring efficient transportation services.
  • Phoenix, Arizona – A smart city project utilized Wi-Fi HaLow for streetlight monitoring, while Cellular IoT was used for emergency vehicle tracking, allowing seamless communication and improved response times.
  • Vancouver, British Columbia – A logistics company implemented Cellular IoT to track its trucks across western Canada, while Wi-Fi HaLow connected smart sensors in its depots, ensuring optimal environmental conditions for the goods being transported.

 

Our products are in stock and can be shipped overnight to Continental U.S. and Canada from one of our local warehouses. If you have any questions, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this form or email us.