Morse Micro in collaboration with GL.iNet has recently showcased the HaLowLink 1 Wi-Fi HaLow gateway, which the company terms as Wi-Fi HaLow reference design and evaluation platform developed for long-range, low-power wireless connectivity for IoT applications. Built around the AzureWave AW-HM593 module with Morse Micro MM6108 silicon, it supports 1/2/4/8 MHz bandwidths.
It features a MediaTek MT7621A dual-core CPU, Wi-Fi 4 module, dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C, and an SMA antenna connector, allowing it to work as a Wi-Fi HaLow router, access point, or extender. The device runs OpenWrt and provides an intuitive web-based UI and SSH/CLI configuration. OpenWrt also gives access to a web-based UI and SSH/CLI configuration. These features make this device useful for applications like smart homes, industrial automation, agriculture, and telecommunications.
HaLowLink 1 specifications:
- SoC – Mediatek MT7621 dual-core, quad-thread MIPS1004K processor @ up to 880MHz
- System Memory – 256MB DDR3 (optional 512 MB)
- Storage – 32MB NAND Flash
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah)
- AzureWave AW-HM593 module with Morse Micro MM6108 HaLow chipset supporting Wi-Fi HaLow, IEEE 802.11ah, Sub-GHz, 32.5 Mbps, ultra-low power, WPA3
- Sub-GHz frequency range (750 MHz – 950 MHz, region-dependent)
- Supports 1/2/4/8 MHz bandwidth modes
- Up to 23 dBm output power
- Range – Up to 1 km in urban environments, 3+ km in open areas
- 802.11s Mesh and EasyMesh support
- Supports HaLow Station (STA) and Access Point (AP) modes
- Wi-Fi
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11n)
- Can act as a bridge between Wi-Fi HaLow and traditional Wi-Fi networks
- Ethernet
- 2x Gigabit Ethernet (1x WAN, 1x LAN), 2×2 (supports MIMO dual-stream operation)
- Supports Virtual Wire Mode for legacy Ethernet devices
- Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah)
- USB – 1x USB-C port can be used as power and network access
- Misc
- Status LED, Wi-Fi HaLow LED, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz LED, SMA antenna connector
- Power Supply – 5V power via USB-C
- Dimensions – 88 × 68 × 24mm
- Certifications – FCC & IC certified
In terms of software, the HaLowLink 1 runs OpenWrt-based firmware, giving access to a web-based user interface for easy configuration, along with SSH and command-line access for advanced users. Additional tools such as ping, traceroute, iperf3, and arp-scan allow for real-time diagnostics and network monitoring. As this router uses OpenWrt you can always install additional OpenWrt packages, to get your desired functionality.
The router can extend the range of existing Wi-Fi networks, connect non-HaLow devices via Ethernet or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and even act as a virtual wire replacement for Ethernet cables.
We first wrote about 802.11ah low-power long-range WiFi standard operating at 900 MHz in 2014, but adoption of this technology was slow. We’ve still seen products released over the years, but not quite as many as expected, and in recent months we’ve covered the Morse Micro MM8108 and Murata’s LBWA0ZZ2HK and LBWA0ZZ2HL. We have also written about the STK-AH9066 WiFi HaLow gateway and AP7688-WHM WiFi HaLow gateway similar to the HaLowLink 1 and designed to expand the range of wireless connectivity by several hundred meters. Other Wi-Fi HaLow-based products include the MM6108-EKH05 Wi-Fi HaLow Evaluation Kit, the Vantron HCAM26 IP camera, and the LILYGO T-Halow a low-cost ESP32 powred dev board designed for security cameras, wildlife cameras, monitoring and other low-power applications.
The HaLowLink 1 Wi-Fi HaLow gateway can be purchased from Mouser for $99.00. More information about the product can be found on its product page and the product brief.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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