802.11ah, also known as Wi-Fi HaLow, is a wireless networking protocol that is part of the IEEE 802.11 family, which includes various standards for Wi-Fi technologies. Here are the key features of 802.11ah:
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Frequency Band: Unlike most Wi-Fi standards that operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 802.11ah operates in the sub-1 GHz frequency band. This allows for better range and penetration through obstacles.
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Range: It offers a longer range compared to traditional Wi-Fi, potentially covering distances up to 1 km.
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Power Efficiency: Designed for low power consumption, it is well-suited for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including sensors and wearables that require long battery life.
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Data Rates: While it offers lower data rates compared to higher-frequency Wi-Fi standards, it still supports varying rates depending on the range and usage scenario.
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Device Capacity: 802.11ah can connect to a larger number of devices, making it suitable for environments with many connected devices.
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Applications: It is particularly useful for IoT applications, smart home devices, agricultural sensors, and any scenario where long-range, low-power connectivity is needed.
Overall, 802.11ah is tailored for IoT and scenarios where Wi-Fi's traditional range and power consumption limits have been a constraint.