Below are questions frequently asked by our customers and partners about GAO Tek’s Wi-Fi & HaLow under IoT.

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What is Wi-Fi HaLow?

Wi-Fi HaLow is a wireless communication technology based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard. It operates in the sub-1 GHz frequency band (specifically 900 MHz) and is designed for long-range, low-power communication, making it ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Wi-Fi HaLow operates in the 900 MHz band, which allows for longer range compared to traditional Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). It also consumes less power, making it suitable for battery-operated IoT devices.

Some key features of Wi-Fi HaLow include:

Extended range: Wi-Fi HaLow can reach up to 1 km (0.6 miles) in range, making it suitable for outdoor and industrial applications.

Low power consumption: Wi-Fi HaLow is designed to be energy-efficient, enabling long battery life for connected devices.

High penetration: The 900 MHz frequency band used by Wi-Fi HaLow allows for better penetration through walls and obstacles compared to higher frequency bands.

Wi-Fi HaLow is suitable for a wide range of IoT applications, including smart home devices, industrial automation, agriculture, healthcare monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

No, Wi-Fi HaLow operates in a different frequency band and uses different modulation and coding schemes compared to traditional Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax). Therefore, it is not compatible with existing Wi-Fi devices.

Some advantages of Wi-Fi HaLow include its long range, low power consumption, and high penetration capabilities. It is also designed to coexist with other wireless technologies in the 900 MHz band, reducing interference.

Wi-Fi HaLow uses the same security mechanisms as traditional Wi-Fi, such as WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 with Pre-Shared Key) and WPA3, to ensure secure communication between devices.

Wi-Fi HaLow products have started to become available, but adoption is still in the early stages. As the technology matures and demand grows, more Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled devices are expected to enter the market.

Here’s a list of applications where Wi-Fi & HaLow technology finds extensive use:

  • Smart Home Devices: HaLow can be used to connect various smart home devices such as thermostats, security cameras, door locks, and lighting systems, allowing for seamless communication and control.
  • Industrial IoT: In industrial settings, HaLow can enable connectivity for sensors, actuators, and other IoT devices used in manufacturing, monitoring, and automation processes.
  • Healthcare Monitoring: Wi-Fi HaLow can facilitate the transmission of data from medical devices such as wearable health monitors, patient tracking systems, and remote patient monitoring devices, enabling real-time health monitoring and analysis.
  • Agriculture: HaLow can be utilized in agriculture for monitoring soil moisture, controlling irrigation systems, tracking livestock, and managing crop health through connected sensors and devices deployed across fields and farms.
  • Smart Cities: Wi-Fi HaLow can support various smart city applications including smart street lighting, waste management, parking systems, environmental monitoring, and public safety initiatives by providing connectivity to diverse IoT devices deployed throughout urban areas.
  • Asset Tracking: HaLow’s long-range capabilities make it suitable for asset tracking applications in warehouses, logistics, and transportation sectors, allowing for real-time location monitoring of goods and equipment.
  • Environmental Monitoring: HaLow can be employed for environmental monitoring purposes such as air quality monitoring, water quality management, and wildlife tracking in remote or challenging terrains where traditional Wi-Fi signals may be limited.
  • Retail and Hospitality: In retail and hospitality environments, HaLow can support applications like inventory management, customer tracking, personalized marketing, and guest services through connected devices and sensors.
  • Energy Management: HaLow can enable energy-efficient solutions by connecting smart meters, energy monitoring systems, and home automation devices to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
  • Remote Infrastructure Monitoring: Wi-Fi HaLow can be used for monitoring and managing remote infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines, electrical grids, and telecommunications networks, enabling timely maintenance and troubleshooting of critical assets.

Wi-Fi & HaLow products in the United States must comply with several regulations to ensure their safe and lawful operation. Here are the key U.S. regulations that govern Wi-Fi & HaLow products:

  • FCC Part 15: This regulation governs the operation of unlicensed intentional radiators, including Wi-Fi devices. Wi-Fi HaLow devices must operate within the specified frequency bands allocated for unlicensed use (e.g., 900 MHz) and comply with power limits to minimize interference with other services.
  • FCC Part 18: Part 18 of the FCC rules address industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment, including certain types of RF devices. Wi-Fi HaLow devices must meet emission limits outlined in this part to prevent interference with other electronic equipment.
  • FCC Part 90: Part 90 regulates private land mobile radio services, which may include certain types of wireless communication devices. If Wi-Fi HaLow devices are used in applications covered by Part 90, they must comply with relevant rules regarding frequency usage, emissions, and operation.
  • FCC Part 95: This part of the FCC rules covers personal radio services, such as Citizens Band (CB) radios and Family Radio Service (FRS) devices. While not directly related to Wi-Fi HaLow, certain provisions may apply depending on the specific use case or frequency bands utilized.
  • FCC Equipment Authorization: Before Wi-Fi HaLow devices can be legally marketed and sold in the U.S., they must undergo FCC equipment authorization. This involves testing conducted by accredited laboratories to ensure compliance with FCC technical standards and regulations.
  • FCC RF Exposure Limits: Wi-Fi HaLow devices must also comply with FCC regulations regarding human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. These regulations establish maximum permissible RF exposure levels to ensure the safety of users and bystanders.

In Canada, Wi-Fi & HaLow products must adhere to regulatory standards set forth by Industry Canada, the government agency responsible for managing the country’s radio spectrum and telecommunications equipment. Compliance with these regulations is essential for manufacturers seeking to market Wi-Fi & HaLow products in Canada. Here are the key regulations that Wi-Fi & HaLow products have to comply with:

  • RSS-210, Issue 11: This Radio Standards Specification (RSS) sets out the certification requirements for wireless devices operating in the license-exempt bands, including those used by Wi-Fi HaLow. It covers technical specifications, testing requirements, and labeling requirements.
  • RSS-Gen, Issue 5: This RSS covers general requirements and information for the certification of radio apparatus and broadcasting equipment. It includes requirements related to equipment authorization, compliance testing, and labelling.
  • IC Equipment Certification: Before a Wi-Fi HaLow device can be legally marketed and sold in Canada, it must undergo IC equipment certification. This involves testing to ensure compliance with RSS standards and certification by a recognized testing laboratory.
  • IC RF Exposure Compliance: Similar to the FCC regulations, Wi-Fi HaLow devices must comply with IC regulations regarding human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. These regulations establish limits for safe RF exposure levels.
  • IC Marking: Approved Wi-Fi HaLow devices must bear the IC certification label, indicating that they comply with Canadian regulatory requirements.

Our Wi-Fi & HaLow products meet Bluetooth SIG standards, ensuring global compatibility and interoperability with a wide range of devices and platforms.

Wi-Fi & HaLow products must comply with several international standards to ensure interoperability, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Here are some key international standards relevant to Wi-Fi & HaLow technology:

  • IEEE 802.11ah: This is the technical standard for Wi-Fi HaLow, specifying the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers for operation in the 900 MHz band. Compliance with this standard ensures that Wi-Fi HaLow devices can communicate with each other and with other Wi-Fi devices.
  • IEC 62368-1: This is the international standard for audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment safety. It covers safety requirements for equipment using various power sources, including mains power and batteries, ensuring that Wi-Fi HaLow devices meet safety standards.
  • IEC 60950-1 (for legacy devices) or IEC 62311 (for newer devices): These standards cover safety requirements for information technology equipment. Compliance ensures that Wi-Fi HaLow devices meet international safety standards.
  • IEC 62209-1: This standard specifies the measurement procedure for the assessment of specific absorption rate (SAR) related to human exposure to radio frequency fields from wireless communication devices. Compliance ensures that Wi-Fi HaLow devices meet international SAR limits.
  • ETSI EN 301 893: This European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard specifies the technical requirements for wireless access systems, including Wi-Fi HaLow, operating in the 5 GHz band. Compliance with this standard ensures that Wi-Fi HaLow devices meet European regulatory requirements.
  • ITU-R Recommendations: The International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) provides recommendations for the use of radio frequency spectrum. Compliance with these recommendations ensures that Wi-Fi HaLow devices operate within internationally agreed frequency bands and power limits.
  • ISO/IEC 27001 (for security): This standard specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system. Compliance with this standard ensures that Wi-Fi HaLow devices meet international security standards.

Several alternative names are used interchangeably to refer to Wi-Fi & HaLow technology, reflecting its various aspects and applications. Here are some alternative names for Wi-Fi & HaLow:

  • IEEE 802.11ah: The technical standard designation for Wi-Fi HaLow, often used in technical and industry contexts.
  • 900 MHz Wi-Fi: Refers to the frequency band in which Wi-Fi HaLow operates, highlighting its difference from traditional Wi-Fi bands.
  • Sub-1 GHz Wi-Fi: Another term emphasizing the lower frequency range used by Wi-Fi HaLow compared to traditional Wi-Fi frequencies.
  • Low-Power Wi-Fi: Refers to the energy-efficient nature of Wi-Fi HaLow, which is designed for low-power applications.
  • Long-Range Wi-Fi: Highlights the extended range capabilities of Wi-Fi HaLow, suitable for IoT applications that require connectivity over longer distances.
  • IoT Wi-Fi: Emphasizes the suitability of Wi-Fi HaLow for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, where low power consumption and long range are critical.

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Below are other resource pages containing useful information on Wi-Fi & HaLow :

FAQs on Wi-Fi & HaLow GAOTek.com

How to Choose a Wi-Fi & HaLow Product

Components of Wi-Fi & HaLow Products

Operation, Maintenance & Calibration of Wi-Fi & HaLow Products

Customers in the U.S. and Canada of Wi-Fi & HaLow Products

Applications of Wi-Fi & HaLow in Various Industries

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere on the continental U.S. from one of its North American facilities.

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere in continental Canada from one of its North American facilities.