Wi-Fi HaLow Explained
How HaLow achieves kilometre-range wireless at ultra-low power.
WiFi HaLow (802.11ah) is a relatively new wireless standard that's transforming CCTV and IoT deployment. Operating on the sub-1GHz spectrum (868MHz in the UK), it delivers WiFi-like bandwidth over distances of up to 1 kilometre — roughly 10× the range of standard WiFi. This guide explains the technology in plain English, compares it with traditional WiFi, 4G and LoRaWAN, and shows you where HaLow excels: large-area CCTV coverage, IoT sensor networks and smart building deployments where you want good bandwidth without cellular data costs.
Key features
- How HaLow Works. Sub-1GHz frequencies, OFDM modulation and long-range propagation explained in plain English.
- Range vs WiFi Comparison. Real-world range tests: HaLow vs WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6. Indoor and outdoor scenarios.
- Bandwidth & Latency. HaLow data rates (1–40 Mbps) compared with standard WiFi and 4G. Video streaming capability.
- Power Consumption. HaLow's target wake time (TWT) feature enables ultra-low power IoT sensor operation.
- Camera Compatibility. Which camera brands support HaLow. Base station options and network planning.
- HaLow vs 4G vs LoRa. Feature comparison table: range, bandwidth, power, cost and best-use scenarios for each technology.
What range and coverage can I expect?
In open outdoor areas with clear line-of-sight, HaLow can reach up to 1 kilometre. Indoors or through buildings, expect 200–400 metres depending on walls, floors and interference. Trees, hills and metal structures will reduce range, so a site survey helps plan camera placement.
If you need to cover a larger area, you can add extra base stations or repeater nodes to extend the network. Each base station creates its own coverage zone, and cameras automatically connect to the strongest signal.
Frequently asked questions
Is HaLow the same as WiFi?
HaLow is a WiFi standard (802.11ah) but uses different frequencies (sub-1GHz) than normal WiFi (2.4/5GHz). It's not compatible with standard WiFi devices.
Do I need special cameras for HaLow?
Yes — cameras must have a HaLow radio module. Standard WiFi cameras won't connect to a HaLow network.
What's the monthly cost?
Zero — HaLow uses licence-free spectrum. No SIM cards or data subscriptions. Just the one-time cost of cameras and base station.
Can HaLow work through walls and buildings?
Yes — the sub-1GHz signal penetrates walls and obstacles far better than standard WiFi, making it ideal for indoor coverage across large buildings or warehouses.
How many cameras can one base station support?
Most HaLow base stations support 50–100 devices, though the practical limit depends on how much video each camera streams and your bandwidth needs.
Do I need planning permission for a HaLow network?
No — HaLow uses licence-free spectrum and the base station is typically a small indoor unit, so no planning permission is required.
Can I add more cameras later?
Yes — you can expand your network by adding HaLow cameras or extra base stations to extend coverage as your site grows.