Gateworks Unveils GW16170: A High-Power Wi-Fi HaLow Module For IoT in North America

Gateworks Unveils the GW16170

Gateworks Corporation, a subsidiary of Ezurio, has recently announced the launch of the GW16170, a high-performance, long-range Wi-Fi HaLow module tailored for industrial IoT applications. This significant innovation is engineered to operate on the 900 MHz band and utilizes the 802.11ah wireless standard, providing enhanced communication capabilities.

Performance Features

The GW16170 is built using the advanced Morse Micro MM8108-M20-US module and is designed to deliver a maximum transmit power of +27.5 dBm. This increase in power allows for improved range, making it ideal for applications requiring reliable long-distance connectivity, particularly in challenging environments characterized by various physical obstacles like walls and foliage. The module effectively reduces the necessity for multiple access points, making it a cost-effective solution for expansive sites, including smart factories and complex industrial setups.

Engineers can easily integrate the GW16170 with any single-board computer (SBC) that features an M.2 E-Key socket, ensuring a plug-and-play experience. It is compatible with Gateworks' existing SBCs powered by NXP Semiconductors' i.MX 8M Mini, 8M Plus, and i.MX 95 processors, thus forming a robust infrastructure for long-range connectivity and edge computing. Platforms such as the Venice and Catalina families are poised to benefit significantly from this high-power module, enhancing their capabilities in industrial and autonomous applications.

Addressing Connectivity Challenges

In a market where enhancing IoT connectivity across expansive geographies poses a significant challenge, the GW16170 shines as a solution designed to cater to North America’s 902–928 MHz license-exempt band. Compared to standard Wi-Fi operating on 2.4/5 GHz frequencies, this sub-GHz module provides improved performance in terms of both range and penetration, thereby offering a practical means to achieve extensive coverage over large areas, including outdoor locations and sprawling campuses.

Kelly Peralta, Vice President of Sales & Business Development at Gateworks, emphasized the strategic importance of their collaboration with Morse Micro, detailing how this partnership facilitates the delivery of cutting-edge wireless solutions to the industrial sector. “The GW16170 gives system integrators a high-power option purpose-built for North America's toughest coverage challenges,” Peralta stated. The enhanced reliability of the GW16170 makes it an attractive alternative to cellular solutions or other expensive proprietary radios, which were typically employed for similar applications.

Noteworthy Technical Specifications

The GW16170 supports data rates of up to 43.3 Mbps and can handle over 100 connected clients per access point. This capacity ensures continuous data flow, critical for applications such as smart transportation, smart energy management, and smart city security frameworks.

In addition to its strong performance metrics, the GW16170 is designed for versatility: it supports both access point and station mode, features security protocols (WPA2-PSK/WPA3-SAE/WPA3-OWE), and operates seamlessly with standard Linux IP networking. Developers can benefit from these familiar networking environments without the need for proprietary SDKs, further simplifying integration processes. The module holds FCC certification for North American markets, while a corresponding version is available for European customers.

Availability and Future Prospects

Currently, the GW16170 module is available for purchase through Gateworks and its authorized distributors. As the demand for reliable and high-performance wireless solutions in the industrial IoT domain continues to grow, Gateworks remains committed to delivering innovative products that address the evolving challenges faced by system integrators. With a legacy of designing and manufacturing superior single-board computers and wireless solutions since 1998, Gateworks continues to position itself as a leader in the industrial embedded solutions market.

As organizations seek to fast-track their projects and enhance operational efficiencies, the GW16170 stands out as a cutting-edge solution, offering sustainable connectivity and robust performance for the future of industrial IoT.