docs(deployments): HaLow extended-range variant

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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.