A major shift is occurring in the way smart cities design, experience and navigate urban environments. This monumental shift is due in part to digital transformation and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
These advances are transforming infrastructure and urban landscapes into hubs of intelligent connectivity. At the heart of this trend is the emergence of advanced wireless technologies tailored to the special requirements of smart cities. A booming technology – Wi-Fi CERTIFIED HaLowTM – is now at the forefront of protocols that enable smart city connectivity.
Up to 8,000 devices connected to a single HaLow WiFi hotspot simultaneously
Wi-Fi HaLow is an evolution of traditional Wi-Fi, specifically designed to meet the specific needs of connected objects in the Internet of Things. This technology is based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard and was certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance in November 2021. It works in a frequency band below GHz. Wi-Fi HaLow outperforms traditional Wi-Fi (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands) in terms of transmission range, network coverage and energy efficiency. This pushes the boundaries of wireless connectivity for smart city and IoT applications.
Wi-Fi HaLow, a new Wi-Fi technology that operates at a lower frequency than traditional Wi-Fi, has been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The technology is specifically designed to meet the need for IoT devices connected to the internet throughout the day. pic.twitter.com/9jKhw6J3Kj
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W-Fi HaLow can connect over 8000 devices from a single access point. What is impressive, however, is the range of more than 1 km, the low power consumption, the advanced WPA3 encryption and the very high network density. Of course, the device offers just as many advantages as conventional WLAN for smart cities.
According to startup Morse Micro, Wi-Fi HaLow is a next-generation technology. It is based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard. This is indeed an innovation that will offer 10x greater range and 100x greater coverage than traditional WiFi.
Wi-Fi HaLow will become the backbone of tomorrow's buildings
This unprecedented performance could revolutionize smart city applications. The long distance of connectivity would also facilitate the automation of public services and other areas such as lighting, transportation, waste management, etc. It also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the necessary physical infrastructure.
“We believe that HaLow Wi-Fi offers the ideal combination of long range, high throughput and low power consumption. This technology can truly connect any object in a modern city,” said Morse Micro CEO.
HaLow WiFi technology could then become the backbone of tomorrow's intelligent buildings. Its versatility is what sets it apart ideal solution for standardizing different automation systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, etc.) on a common platform.
The right balance between transfer speed and connectivity range
Compared to traditional WiFi, Wi-Fi HaLow offers this better balance between transmission speed and connectivity range. It enables innovative applications of the Internet of Things and combines, for example, video surveillance and real-time sensors.
This new standard ensures seamless connectivity between operational data, intelligent building managers and all devices. Its long range and increased security allow the connection of all subsystems: ventilation, electrical microgrids, AI cameras, etc.
Wi-Fi HaLow could therefore revolutionize the management of service buildings, data centers, industry and municipal utilities. It provides managers with complete visibility into the infrastructures they are responsible for.
Towards safer and smarter smart cities
However, according to Morse Micro, the rollout of Wi-Fi HaLow technology in smart cities is not yet complete could lead to significant savings. Based on open standards, this connectivity would be cheaper to deploy and manage than existing cellular networks.
In contrast to the latter, Wi-Fi HaLow uses unlicensed, royalty-free radio spectrum. Compatible devices are also available available from several providers. This will increase competition and limit costs.
While telecommunications operators charge fees for the use of their networks, the operation of Wi-Fi HaLow requires a fee completely free after installation. When it comes to maintenance, many IT professionals are already proficient in Wi-Fi technologies and can rely on best practices.
“Wi-Fi HaLow lays the foundation for smarter, safer and better connected cities,” explains the Vice President of the Télécoms Federation. “This technology combines all the charms of the new wave of IoT networks. Communities that adopt it will have a head start on becoming the smart cities of tomorrow.”
“This new connectivity standard opens up fascinating perspectives,” comments Pierre Ferri, specialist analyst. “It will allowConnect urban facilities over a large area increasingly autonomous and intelligent. “It is a real technological stepping stone towards optimized megacities,” he added.