Quectel launched a long range, low power Wifi HaLow module at this week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The FGH200M module, based on the Morse Micro MM8108 chipset and operating in the sub-1GHz licence exempt frequency band, delivers enhanced penetration and broader coverage, over a range of approximately 1km, while supporting low power consumption and large-scale device connectivity.

The module adopts the IEEE 802.11ah wireless networking protocol, also known as Wifi HaLow. Designed to meet the evolving requirements of IoT connectivity, it delivers extended sub-1GHz signal coverage, enabling reliable device control at distances of up to one kilometre.

“We’re excited to unveil the Quectel FGH200M,” said Delbert Sun, vice general manager at Quectel Wireless. “This ultra-compact module combines long-range transmission with low power consumption, large capacity and good penetration performance for mass-scale IoT deployments. We look forward to supporting customers with the FGH200M’s attractive blend of capabilities across network performance, efficiency and robustness.”

With up to ten times the range of traditional 2.4GHz wifi, the module suits indoor and outdoor IoT deployments. Its long-range, low-power performance makes it suitable for applications such as home and industrial automation, smart agriculture, smart cities, smart buildings, warehouses, retail environments, campuses, and other large-area IoT networks.

Achieving a maximum physical data rate of 43.3Mbit/s, it operates in the 850-950MHz band with a channel width of 1, 2, 4 or 8MHz and a maximum output power of 26dBm. A single FGH200M access point can, in theory, support up to 8191 IoT devices, making it suitable for massive IoT use cases. The module also supports USB 2.0, SDIO and SPI interfaces to increase integration choices.

With a size of 11 by 10 by 2mm and weight of 0.51g, it can help optimise end product size and design cost, meeting the needs of size-sensitive applications. Robustness is also assured with the module able to operate from -40 to +85˚C with security maintained thanks to AES, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512, WPA3 and OWE encryption modes.

With this short-range module release, Quectel also offers a portfolio of high-performance antennas to ensure optimal RF performance and simplified integration. By providing the module and matched antenna, Quectel (www.quectel.com) helps users accelerate development, reduce design complexity and achieve reliable connectivity across wifi, Bluetooth and other short-range technologies. This end-to-end approach helps streamline certification, improve time to market and deliver robust wireless performance in demanding applications.

Examples of antennas appropriate for the FGH200M (www.quectel.com/product/wi-fi-halow-fgh200m/) module include the YECN009AA (www.quectel.com/product/yecn009aa-5g-hinged-swivel-terminal-mount-antenna/) and YENT065W1BM (www.quectel.com/product/yent065w1bm-lpwa-ism-rubber-dipole-antenna/).