Meeting IoT Connectivity Challenges with HaLowLink 2

Introduction

As IoT systems scale into larger, widely distributed networks, they are entering a new era, described as IoT 2.0, where devices not only share simple data but can also see, think, and act at the edge. These next-generation systems can deliver insights and enable immediate actions driven by real-time analytics. To support this evolution, the need for connectivity solutions that deliver long reach, energy-efficient operation, and reliable performance continues to rise. To address this, Wi-Fi HaLow is gaining recognition as a promising solution for IoT 2.0. Built for modern IoT, it provides stable long-range coverage with low power consumption, making it ideal for distributed and battery-powered devices.           

Wi-Fi HaLow (pronounced: HeyLow) is the commercial name for IEEE 802.11ah, a wireless communication standard designed to meet the requirements of IoT devices. It operates in the sub-1 GHz spectrum and offers a much longer range than traditional Wi-Fi (up to 1km in urban areas and up to 5 km in rural areas), with low power usage. Wi-Fi HaLow also supports native IP networking, which eliminates the need for extra gateways and hubs.

Morse Micro announced the general availability of a product earlier this year: HaLowLink 2, which brings the benefits of Wi-Fi HaLow to IoT devices in a ready-to-deploy form. 

Limitations of Existing Wireless Technologies

Current wireless options have their strengths, but fall short of the requirements for IoT 2.0. Conventional Wi-Fi is great for high data rates, but struggles with range and is more power-intensive. Cellular networks are a good option for wide coverage, but they add complexity and are not cost-efficient for IoT devices, as they offer more capability than required. 

Whereas technologies like Zigbee and Bluetooth are well-suited for close-range communication, they have limited scalability.

What is HaLowLink 2?

HaLowLink 2 is a pre-certified Wi-Fi HaLow access point developed by Morse Micro to simplify how IoT devices connect over long distances with low power usage. It supports both Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) in a single device.[2]

It can work as a Wi-Fi HaLow router, access point, and range extender.[3]

Inside, it uses a Mediatek MT7603E processor and the AzureWave AW-HM677 radio, incorporating Morse Micro’s MM8108 SoC. 

Built on the Wi-Fi HaLow technology, HaLowLink 2 offers high throughput, long-range, secure, and scalable connections for IoT networks. It provides better penetration, even through walls and obstacles. Thanks to Wi-Fi HaLow, it also supports many devices per access point, making it an ideal option for farms, industrial sites, and smart cities. 

The company announced the general availability of the HaLowLink 2 this year. It costs just $129 and is available from Mouser Electronics. 

Applications of HaLowLink 2

HaLowLink 2 is a versatile device with future applications across several areas.

Security Cameras

By operating in the sub-1 GHz radio frequency spectrum, HaLowLink 2 provides long-range coverage for residential, commercial, and outdoor surveillance networks, as Wi-Fi HaLow allows the connection to reach up to 10 times farther, 100 times the area, and 1,000 times the volume of traditional Wi-Fi. [4]

The access point also provides strong penetration, smooth video streaming, and eliminates the need for Wi-Fi extenders. 

DIY Cameras

HaLowLink 2 is an ideal choice for makers and hobbyists looking to build custom wireless cameras and IoT projects. It is based on OpenWrt, supports common hardware, and uses stable Wi-Fi HaLow connections for long-range communication. 

It makes prototyping easy and allows experimenting with new ideas for custom cameras, such as solar-powered cameras or motion-activated security units, without advanced design skills.

Smart Metering

Utilities can benefit from HaLowLink 2 for building wide-area metering networks. Smart meters with Wi-Fi HaLow technology can automatically form self-organizing groups using mesh technology, which enables them to communicate with one another without depending on cellular links.  

Its kilometer-scale range and energy-efficient communication make it a great option for water, gas, and electricity meters that run on batteries for years. 

Adding Wi-Fi HaLow technology to smart meters also enables them to act as intelligent energy hubs, communicating with home appliances and central systems for load management and real-time monitoring. 

ISPs

HaLowLink 2 enables ISPs to tap into new revenue streams by offering IoT-ready connected services. 

For example, ISPs can sell Wi-Fi HaLow-based connections, offer subscription plans, package HaLow benefits with regular broadband, and serve previously underserved areas by utilizing Wi-Fi HaLow’s long range without any major infrastructure changes.

Industrial Sensors

HaLowLink 2 is ideal for industrial environments and large facilities with obstacles, machinery, and interference. Its strong, stable signal and support for thousands of nodes per access point make it easier to connect a large number of sensors for monitoring different parameters.

These sensors can send data through HaLowLink 2 for detecting early signs of problems and can help in predictive maintenance and environmental monitoring. This helps prevent failures and reduce downtime.

Retail

HaLowLink 2 can also be used in retail spaces to connect hundreds of devices, such as electronic shelf labels, digital price tags, scanners, and sensors, to a single access point without heavy wiring. 

It can also help in predictive restocking and real-time inventory management.

Regional Availability

HaLowLink 2 is currently available in Australia, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan and the USA. As Wi-Fi HaLow operates on sub-1 GHz radio frequencies, these frequencies vary globally from country to country. 

So, each region requires its own certification and testing to ensure devices comply with local standards and don’t interfere with other wireless systems.

The USA, Canada, and Australia are established as leading IoT hubs worldwide. Their mature technology ecosystem makes them a prime market for Wi-Fi HaLow adoption and expansion.

Why Choose HaLowLink 2?

HaLowLink 2 is a pre-certified, consumer-ready solution that lets companies and developers add Wi-Fi HaLow technology to their products without designing their own hardware and wasting time in lengthy approval cycles. This ensures a faster time-to-market and easier integration. 

Moreover, it is flexible and ideal for both small-scale projects, such as custom cameras and DIY projects, and large-scale networks, such as smart metering and industrial monitoring.

HaLowLink 2 is developed and supported by Morse Micro, a pioneer in Wi-Fi HaLow technology, so users get a trusted, field-tested technology for future IoT devices.

Conclusion

As IoT expands and becomes more complex, there is an urgent need for connectivity solutions that reach farther, scale easily, and use less power.  

HaLowLink 2 solves these challenges by utilizing Wi-Fi HaLow technology. It suits a wide range of applications from surveillance systems and DIY projects to smart metering, industrial monitoring, and even helping ISPs reach previously underserved areas.

References

[1] “Internet of Things (IoT) – Worldwide Market Forecast 2025–2030.” Statista. [cited 2025 Oct 22]. Available: statista.com

[2] “Morse Micro Announces World’s First Wi-Fi 4 and HaLow CERTIFIED Router – Now Available on Mouser.com for $99.” Morse Micro. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 22]. Available: morsemicro.com

[3]  “HaLowLink 2 Product Brief.” Morse Micro. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 22]. Available: morsemicro.com/resources/pdf

[4] Morse Micro. “Wi-Fi HaLow Infrastructure Solutions.” [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 22]. Available: morsemicro.com/infrastructure 

[5] Morse Micro. “Pushing the Limits: Wi-Fi HaLow Testing in Joshua Tree National Park.” [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 22]. Available: morsemicro.com