Skip to main content

Wi-Fi HaLow is a new long-range, low-power wireless standard meant for smart home devices

The Wi-Fi Alliance, the certification group behind the networking standards to which computer, router, smartphone makers, and more adhere, has approved a new type of low-power, long-range wireless, bound for smart home devices.

Colloquially referred to as “HaLow” and defined as an extension of the upcoming 802.11ah standard, the new wireless operates on the unlicensed 900MHz band. Theoretically, it can cover an area twice as large as the 2.4GHz networks you’ve likely got at home, and can more easily penetrate thick and layered walls. Perhaps most significantly, HaLow uses dramatically less power than conventional Wi-Fi — an important trait for connected thermostats, motion sensors, and locks that depend on compact batteries for power.

Recommended Videos

HaLow’s low power requirements are thanks to the way it operates. It doesn’t transfer data quickly, instead sending data in periodic, concentrated bursts. (Device makers can up the speed and frequency of transfer, but at the cost of battery). HaLow’s comparative efficiency has the Wi-Fi Alliance envisioning use cases far beyond smart home appliances and security cameras. Eventually, the alliance sees the new wireless spec supplanting, or at least complementing, Bluetooth in wearables such as fitness trackers and smartwatches.

“HaLow [could play] a large role in the [Internet of Things],” Wi-Fi Alliance marketing chief Kevin Robinson told The Verge. “HaLow will provide similar characteristics in terms to [sic] battery life to technologies that are out there today.”

HaLow’s rollout will likely be prolonged — the Wi-Fi Alliance won’t begin certifying HaLow products until sometime in 2018 — but when products do begin to hit store shelves, most will be tri-band, leveraging the newly designated 900MHz spectrum but retaining support for existing 2.5GHz and 5GHz access points. But compatibility’s a one-way street — laptops and smartphones with current-generation networking chips won’t interface.

Despite what’s likely to be a slow rollout and the need for updated chips, Wi-Fi Alliance CEO Edgar Figueroa’s convinced HaLow, just like the many wireless standards that the consortium’s approved before it, will one day reach ubiquity. “HaLow is well suited to meet the unique needs of the smart home, smart city, and industrial markets,” he said in a statement. “HaLow expands the unmatched versatility of Wi-Fi to enable applications from small devices to large-scale industrial facility deployments and everything in between.”

Kyle Wiggers
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kyle Wiggers is a writer, Web designer, and podcaster with an acute interest in all things tech. When not reviewing gadgets…
The Yale Assure Lock 2 has only grown better with age
the yale assure lock 2 has only grown better with age plus

The Yale Assure Lock 2 has long held a spot on our roundup of the best smart locks. Offering a sleek design, robust companion app, and a multitude of customization options, it's a premium choice that's an easy recommendation for most shoppers. And while some smart locks begin to show their age over the years, the Yale Assure Lock 2 has only grown more enticing.

Part of this is due to its impressive durability — the one installed on my front door has seen more than a few Colorado storms yet remains in pristine condition — but the other reason is Yale's commitment to expanding the number of models in the Assure Lock 2 lineup. I recently had a chance to test out a second, newer version of the Assure Lock 2 that works with Apple Home Keys, and it cemented my belief that it's one of the best smart locks money can buy.

Read more
Hue gives users eight new free spring-focused themes
A TV with ambient backlighting from Philips Hue.

The latest Philip Hue app update, version 5.39, is now available from download from both the iOS and Android stores. This update introduces brand-new scenes, each of which has a distinctive springtime-theme. All of the themes are available now in the Hue scene gallery, and you should be able to find them after you update your app.

The eight scenes are Nature's colors, Precious, Narcissa, Baby's breath, Crocus, Blossom, Spring lake, and Spring blossom. Various shades of pink, yellow, and green dominate the scenes, but the most impressive of all is the Nature's colors option.

Read more
This Arlo security camera is 50% off today — down to $50
The Arlo Essential 2nd Gen security camera, installed outdoors.

Protect your entire home with the Arlo Essential 2nd Gen security camera -- you'll be able to afford multiples of this smart home device while Arlo's 50% discount is active. From the 2K model's original price of $100, you'll only have to pay $50, so covering every corner of your house will be easier on the wallet. You'll have to complete your purchases as soon as possible though, as we're not sure how much time is remaining for you to pocket the savings of $50 each for every unit of this security camera.

Why you should buy the Arlo Essential 2nd Gen security camera

Read more