Alias
HaLow
The 802.11ah WiFi standard, also known as Wi-Fi HaLow, is a wireless networking protocol that operates in the 900 MHz band. Introduced in May 2017, this standard offers extended range over typical WiFi, making it ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensor networks. The lower frequency of 802.11ah allows signals to penetrate obstacles better and cover larger areas, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is capable of reaching up to about 1 kilometre, which is significantly further than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi standards.
In terms of data rates, 802.11ah can deliver up to 347 Mbps using 4x4 MIMO
in a 16 MHz channel, but the speed can vary depending on the specific configuration with most countries not having a full 16 MHz of licence-free spectrum available. Although this is slower than some other WiFi standards, it is more than sufficient for many IoT devices, which often require only low data rates.