Groundbreaking Wi-Fi tech achieves 16km range in real-world test
Wi-Fi HaLow, a low-power, long-range version of Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, has successfully demonstrated its capabilities in real-world tests from Morse Micro. The tech works in the sub-GHz range (850-950MHz), allowing it to easily get through obstacles like walls and buildings. This makes it perfect for hooking up tons of IoT devices over long distances.
Morse Micro sets new record with Wi-Fi HaLow
In February, Morse Micro set a new record for long-range connectivity using the 802.11ah standard by conducting a video call over a distance of three kilometers (2.9km). The company recently surpassed this achievement in a range test at Joshua Tree National Park, known for its vast open spaces and minimal RF interference. Here, they managed to cover an impressive distance of 16km, five times the previous record.
Evaluation kit and real-world performance assessment
Morse Micro put its MM6108-EKH01 evaluation kit to the test, which features a Raspberry Pi 4 and an MM6108-MF08651 Wi-Fi HaLow reference module. This kit pumps out 21dBm of power via a 1dBi antenna, giving a total radiated power of 22dBm. The goal was to check out Wi-Fi HaLow's real-world performance with standard gear.
Theoretical maximum range and data rates
Morse Micro crunched some numbers based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard to figure out the theoretical max range of the system. They looked at stuff like signal strength, antenna gain, and free-space path loss, and came up with a ballpark of nearly 16km. Then, during tests in Joshua Tree, they hit a 2Mbps UDP throughput at that max range, showing off that Wi-Fi HaLow can keep a solid long-distance connection while still delivering good data rates.
Power-saving capabilities could be a game-changer
But Wi-Fi HaLow isn't just about distance. The tech's power-saving abilities can seriously stretch out battery life. This could be a big deal, especially for devices running on coin batteries, as it would let them work for months without needing a battery change. Morse Micro's team said about the latest milestone, "Our testing in Joshua Tree National Park shows that Morse Micro's Wi-Fi HaLow isn't just about impressive numbers - it's about delivering real value in environments where you need."
