Introducing HaLow: at CES 2025, Wi-Fi routers capable of transmitting 250 Mbps over a distance of 10 miles were demonstrated, and I am very excited!
Since 2016, HaLow routers have seen a remarkable improvement, increasing from speeds of 18 Mbps to reaching up to 250 Mbps.
At CES 2025, Morse Micro showcased a functional demonstration of its HaLow router, capable of delivering data speeds of up to 250 Mbps over a range of 10 miles. This advancement represents a significant step in the evolution of Wi-Fi technology, which began being discussed back in 2016. Although HaLow has been under development since then, its technology has started to mature, offering interesting prospects, especially for commercial applications due to its extensive coverage.
The new HaLow prototype, designed to operate in the 900 MHz band, is ideal for long-range and low-power connections. Its ability to transmit signals through obstacles makes it more effective than conventional routers operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which often struggle to penetrate walls.
Throughout its development, HaLow's initial speeds were quite low, ranging from 150 KBps to 18 Mbps. However, at CES 2025, significant advancements have been demonstrated, achieving speeds of up to 250 Mbps. These achievements may expand HaLow's applications across various sectors, including communication with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and in smart homes.
In February 2024, Morse Micro set a record for long-range connectivity by making a video call using the 802.11ah standard, reaching a distance of 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). Even more impressive was a test conducted at Joshua Tree National Park in September 2024, where coverage reached 16 kilometers (10 miles) in an ideal rural setting.
Although the 250 Mbps speed offered by HaLow is not as fast as that of 5 GHz routers, it is sufficient for everyday activities like browsing the internet, sending emails, and managing IoT devices. Morse Micro envisions a future where HaLow routers coexist with current Wi-Fi bands, forming tri-band systems that combine 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and sub-GHz frequencies.
Despite its potential, many common devices such as smartphones and laptops are currently incompatible with this technology, but Morse Micro is working with engineers to integrate HaLow chipsets into future generations of equipment. This opens a promising horizon for commercial and industrial environments, such as warehouses, where communication between robots and IoT devices could occur without the need for hubs or repeaters.
