How the USA-Made Wi-Fi HaLow Targets Telco IoT Networks

Gateworks Corporation has unveiled a next-generation Wi-Fi HaLow M.2 module aimed at telecom operators and solution providers building large-scale IoT and edge networks. 

Built on the Morse Micro MM8108 chipset, the USA-made GW16167 is designed to deliver long-range connectivity, high throughput and strong wall penetration while reducing infrastructure complexity and cost.

For the telecoms sector, the launch highlights the growing role of Wi-Fi HaLow as a complementary access technology alongside cellular and private wireless networks. 

Operating in sub-GHz spectrum, Wi-Fi HaLow combines extended range with lower power consumption and simpler deployment models, making it well suited to industrial IoT environments where coverage and cost efficiency are critical.

The GW16167 has been developed as a drop-in module for any single board computer with a standard M.2 socket. It operates plug-and-play with Gateworks SBCs based on NXP Semiconductor’s i.MX 8M Mini, i.MX 8M Plus and i.MX 95 processors. 

This allows system integrators and managed service providers to deploy scalable edge platforms that combine compute, long-range connectivity and AI processing without complex hardware redesign.

Wi-Fi HaLow as a telco-grade alternative

Wi-Fi HaLow, based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, is gaining momentum as enterprises look to connect large numbers of devices across wide physical areas. For telecom operators, this presents an opportunity to support private networks and managed IoT services without relying solely on licensed spectrum.

The GW16167 supports global operation across the 850–950MHz range, enabling deployment across multiple regions using a single hardware platform. 

Compared with conventional 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, sub-GHz operation provides superior range and improved penetration through walls, machinery and other obstacles commonly found in industrial settings.

By extending coverage and reducing the number of access points required, Wi-Fi HaLow can lower total cost of ownership. This is particularly relevant for telcos supporting customers that would otherwise depend on private LTE, 5G or proprietary wireless systems for fixed and semi-mobile assets.

Validated in demanding environments

Gatekeeper Systems®, a provider of retail loss prevention solutions, is building its next generation of in-store infrastructure using IEEE 802.11ah HaLow networking from Gateworks and Morse Micro.

Scott Carter, Chief R&D Engineer at Gatekeeper Systems, says: "The reliability of the HaLow network under extremely demanding conditions exceeded our wildest expectations – we have not been able to break it.

"We evaluated multiple HaLow technology partners and it is clear that Gateworks was and remains the best choice for our requirements. 

“Gateworks has exceeded our expectations across the board; it is rare to find a partner that delivers both top-tier technology and a genuine commitment to our success, but Gateworks does exactly that."

For telecom providers, this validation is important as enterprise customers increasingly expect carrier-grade reliability, predictable performance and robust security from private and hybrid networks.

Throughput, efficiency and security

The GW16167 delivers data rates of up to 43.3Mbps while maintaining strong power efficiency. This enables use cases that require higher bandwidth than typical low-power networks, including video-enabled security systems, industrial automation and real-time telemetry.

Applications relevant to telecoms-managed networks include smart factories, where consistent connectivity supports autonomous mobile robots operating in dense metal environments, smart energy deployments connecting distributed grid assets and security and access control systems across large campuses.

All deployments use the WPA3 security framework, aligning with enterprise and telecom security standards while simplifying integration into existing network management environments.

Kelly Peralta, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Gateworks Corporation: "Our partnership with Morse Micro is critical to delivering a robust, complete solution to the industrial market. Together, we have accelerated the adoption of high-performance Wi-Fi HaLow across the globe.

 "This joint effort directly solves real wireless challenges for customers who need performance, reliability and enterprise-grade WPA3 security in their most complex industrial environments."

Michael De Nil, CEO and cofounder at Morse Micro, says: "The GW16167, powered by our MM8108 chipset, is a prime example of how Wi-Fi HaLow is maturing into a critical technology for the industrial sector.

"Gateworks is ensuring system integrators have access to a reliable, long-range solution for their most challenging robotics and edge deployments."