docs(deployments): HaLow extended-range variant

docs/04-deployments/halow-extended-range.md

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+# 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.