New Wi-Fi Standard

Hidden under the many headlines at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show was the announcement of a new Wi-Fi standard developed specifically for IoT devices. The Wi-Fi Alliance created a new 802.11ah wireless standard, Wi-Fi HaLow, which operates in the 900 MHz band to help cut power consumption, extend transmission range and improve penetration, which is the ability to transmit through such barriers as walls and floors.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that promotes wireless technology and certifies Wi-Fi products if they abide by certain standards. The alliance wants to see the standards adopted in such areas as connected smart cities and local area networks (LAN) where Bluetooth is used.