In order for a smart home to function seamlessly and effectively, it is paramount that the communication between smart home devices is unhindered by physical obstructions, network interferences, or vast distances. In addition to having a fiber-fast Internet connection through PLDT Fiber Plus Plans, it is good to familiarize yourself with a relatively new WiFi standard called HaLow.
Say Hello To HaLow
Pronounced as “Hey-Low,” WiFi HaLow is a nomenclature chosen by the Wi-Fi Alliance for the IEEE 802.11ah wireless networking protocol that was published in 2017. This standard was developed to address some of the limitations that existing wireless technologies have, in relation to the Internet of Things.
Sub-GHz Operation
Unlike our smartphones and computers, IoT can do without the high throughput data transmission that both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands have to offer. What it needs, instead, is a frequency band that would provide wider area of coverage, better object penetration, and lower power consumption.
With this in mind, HaLow was created to operate in the sub-gigahertz range. This means that instead of using commonly used radio frequencies, HaLow will take advantage of less popular band ranges between 755MHz to 950MHz.
In doing so, network interferences are less prevalent with HaLow because there are fewer devices using the same band. On top of that, this new standard will allow devices to have an improved ability to pass through obstacles and allow signals to travel greater distances (over 1 kilometer, depending on the device).
Power Efficiency
Another benefit that WiFi HaLow brings to smart devices is reduced power consumption. IoT devices can typically run for years on a single coin cell battery. This is achieved through various power-saving features like Target Wake Time and Restricted Access Window that are both aimed at reducing the amount of time that the device needs to be active.
It goes without saying that existing devices such as sensors, wearables, and other smaller IoT products that don’t get power directly from the grid will greatly benefit from this improvement. Furthermore, this will also result in a lower electricity bill.
Security
Even though most of HaLow’s features are geared towards optimizing coverage and increasing efficiency, the WiFi Alliance made sure that all their bases are covered, particularly in the security aspect.
From the Wi-Fi Alliance Official Website
WiFi HaLow supports the latest security features that are found on other WiFi versions. This includes WiFI Protected Access 3 (WPA 3) and AES encryption for over-the-air (OTA) updates, and WiFi Enhanced Open Authentication.
But Wait, There’s More
Other notable features of the WiFi HaLow include native IP support, multi-vendor interoperability, and narrow band OFDM channels. Furthermore, this sub-gigahertz standard does not require a proprietary gateway to implement and can be added to an existing network without interfering with radio frequency performance.
Its flexibility, interoperability, license-exempt frequency makes the HaLow a cost-effective solution not only for upgrading or replacing an existing smart home setup, but also in industrial and agricultural settings.
IoT-friendly WiFi
The intent behind WiFi HaLow is to enable further innovation in the Internet of Things and increase the adoption rate of smart devices. Based on the features and benefits that we’ve shared above, we can all agree that WFA has achieved what they’ve set out to do. It’s only going to be a matter of time before HaLow-certified devices become more mainstream.
While waiting for that to take place, now would be a good opportunity to future-proof your smart home setup. Subscribing to PLDT Home Fiber Plus plans and find out why PLDT holds the title for being the Philippines' undisputed fastest Internet for five years running.