diff --git a/docs/04-deployments/halow-extended-range.md b/docs/04-deployments/halow-extended-range.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..44273f2 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/04-deployments/halow-extended-range.md @@ -0,0 +1,87 @@ +# HaLow extended-range deployment + +A specialized variant for sites where running PoE or fiber is impractical: agropecuario fields, marinas, large industrial yards, dispersed event perimeters. + +## What HaLow is + +**802.11ah** — IEEE wireless standard operating in sub-GHz bands (902-928 MHz US, 863-868 MHz EU). Designed for IoT range and low-power use. + +Key properties: + +- **Range**: ~1 km line-of-sight, 200-400m through obstacles. +- **Throughput**: 150 Kbps - 32 Mbps depending on bandwidth and modulation. +- **Power**: lower than WiFi 5/6, suitable for battery + solar. +- **Penetration**: better than 2.4/5 GHz through walls and foliage. + +For Blocao: HaLow lets cameras be deployed without cabling and without depending on cellular (which has SIM costs and roaming complications in agro environments). + +## Deployment pattern + +``` + [Operator base] + │ + ┌─────▼──────┐ + │ Router │ + │ + HaLow AP │ + └─────┬──────┘ + │ 802.11ah sub-GHz + ┌────────────┼────────────────┐ + │ │ │ + ▼ ▼ ▼ + ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ + │HaLow │ │HaLow │ │HaLow │ + │bridge │ │camera │ │camera │ + │+ cams │ │ │ │ │ + └───────┘ └───────┘ └───────┘ + 200m 500m 900m +``` + +Two patterns: + +1. **HaLow camera direct**: native 802.11ah camera (rare today, more available 2026-2027). +2. **HaLow bridge + WiFi/PoE camera**: bridge converts HaLow ↔ Ethernet, supports any IP camera within local range. + +Pattern 2 is more flexible today. Pattern 1 is the future as native HaLow cameras come to market. + +## Hardware (mid-2026 availability) + +- **Router HaLow extension**: M.2 module or USB dongle (e.g., Morse Micro MM6108 reference). +- **HaLow bridge**: small box with HaLow radio + Ethernet, powered by PoE on the camera side or solar. +- **Native HaLow camera**: still scarce; track Hikvision and Dahua announcements. + +Cost: HaLow bridge ~€100-200. HaLow router module ~€100. Native cameras unknown until volume products ship. + +## Use cases + +| Vertical | Scenario | +|---|---| +| Agropecuario | Cattle ranch, 4-6 cameras at gates and feed stations, 500-1500m from main building | +| Marina | 8-10 cameras along a dock, no power for cabling, solar-friendly | +| Industrial yard | Container terminal, perimeter cameras 200-800m from operations building | +| Construction site | Temporary deployment, no time/permits for trenching | +| Municipality | Urban edge cameras at intersections, point-to-point bridge to central office | + +## Limits + +- **Bandwidth**: a single HaLow link can carry ~1-3 1080p H.265 streams reliably. Not for 4K. +- **Latency**: ~30-50ms typical, ~100ms under load. Good enough for surveillance, not for interactive control. +- **Regulatory**: sub-GHz bands are regional. EU 863-868 MHz allows lower power than US 902-928 MHz. Channel planning matters in dense deployments. +- **Interference**: LoRa and Sigfox share parts of the band. Generally not a problem; site survey recommended. + +## Why this is a Blocao opportunity + +Most VMS / security vendors don't think about cabling distance. They assume PoE 100m. HaLow extends Blocao's reach by 10× without adding cellular costs or solar-power complications. + +For LATAM customers specifically (estancias, fincas, marinas, large industrial), this is **the** differentiator over Verkada and Hikvision. Verkada has no HaLow story; Hikvision will likely follow but slowly. + +## Roadmap + +**2026 Q3**: HaLow extension as Image Builder option. Site survey toolchain. +**2027 Q1**: HaLow bridge product packaged. +**2027 Q3**: Native HaLow camera options validated and recommended. + +Until then, HaLow is positioned as "available on request" for pilot customers. + +## See also + +- [`argentina-targets.md`](argentina-targets.md) — verticals where HaLow is decisive.