Morse Micro and Gateworks Corporation, a supplier of industrial single board computers (SBCs), announced that they have partnered to bring Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) connectivity to the toughest industrial environments. Together with Silex Technology, they are launching a high-performance ecosystem that makes secure, low-power, and long-range Wi-Fi a reality in smart factories, transportation systems and energy infrastructure.
Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) serves as a standards-based alternative to LPWAN technologies like LoRa or proprietary mesh systems. It combines range and power efficiency with the bandwidth, IP-native compatibility and scalability required for today’s industrial networks.
Key features:
- Over 1km range: well suited for large sprawling facilities and remote infrastructure
- Ultra-low power consumption: perfect for battery-powered sensors
- Scales: able to connect to over 8,000 devices per access point
- Sub-GHz operation: penetrates walls, foliage, and obstacles
- WPA3 security: ensures safe, enterprise-level communication for critical systems
- IP-native networking: integrates seamlessly into existing IT infrastructure
At the core of the collaboration is the GW16159, an industrial-grade M.2 Wi-Fi HaLow card designed and manufactured by Gateworks in the USA. This high-performance radio is powered by the Silex SX-SDMAH module, based on Morse Micro’s MM6108 SoC.
Suitable applications:
- Smart factories: wireless sensors, automated mobile robotics, machine health monitoring
- Smart transportation: train safety systems, fleet management, predictive maintenance
- Smart energy: grid management, solar inverters, wireless EV charging, smart meters
To accelerate time-to-market, Gateworks released the GW11056 Development Kit, a complete platform for Wi-Fi HaLow evaluation and prototyping. This kit can be used for a fast path to real-world testing in industrial automation, remote monitoring, sensor networks, mobile robotics and more.
Kit contents include:
- GW16159 Wi-Fi HaLow M.2 Card
- VeniceFLEX SBC featuring the NXP iMX 8M Plus CPU
- Linux Ubuntu board support package
- Antenna, JTAG programmer, adapter cables and power supply
“Our MM6108 SoC is purpose-built for long-range industrial-grade performance,” said Michael De Nil, CEO of Morse Micro. “Collaborating with Gateworks and Silex Technology creates a powerful ecosystem that simplifies Wi-Fi HaLow adoption. Together, we’re bringing connectivity where legacy Wi-Fi can’t go.”
“Wi-Fi HaLow is Wi-Fi that actually goes the distance,” added Kelly Peralta, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Gateworks. “It fills critical gaps in smart transportation, smart factories, and energy infrastructure, without sacrificing compatibility or reliability. With the GW16159, we’re opening the door to a whole new class of industrial applications.”
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