Introducing the GW16170: Expanding Long-Range Industrial Connectivity with High-Power Wi-Fi HaLow

Reliable wireless connectivity is a critical part of modern system design. Engineers need solutions that reach beyond the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi while maintaining the flexibility of IP networking. Whether monitoring remote equipment, connecting sensors across large industrial sites or extending wireless coverage into difficult environments, long-range communication can simplify deployment and reduce infrastructure costs.

The new Gateworks GW16170 High-Power Wi-Fi HaLow M.2 Card was designed to meet these challenges for applications in North America. Powered by the Morse Micro MM8108-M20 chipset, the GW16170 combines the long-range advantages of IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow with the rugged reliability expected from Gateworks embedded solutions. The result is a compact wireless module that helps developers build scalable Industrial IoT networks with greater range, improved penetration, and seamless IP connectivity.

Why Wi-Fi HaLow?

Traditional Wi-Fi performs well in many applications, but coverage can become a challenge as devices spread across warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural operations, transportation infrastructure and utility installations. Higher-frequency wireless signals naturally lose strength over longer distances and struggle to penetrate walls, machinery and other physical obstacles.

Wi-Fi HaLow addresses these limitations by operating in the license-exempt 902–928 MHz frequency band. Lower-frequency signals travel farther and penetrate common obstacles more effectively than conventional Wi-Fi frequencies. This enables broader wireless coverage while preserving the familiar benefits of standards-based Wi-Fi networking.

Unlike many proprietary long-range wireless technologies, Wi-Fi HaLow supports native IP networking. Developers can leverage existing networking tools, simplify system integration, and build secure wireless architectures using familiar software environments.

Key features include:

• IEEE 802.11ah (Wi-Fi HaLow) support
• Morse Micro MM8108-M20 chipset
• 902–928 MHz operation
• Up to 28.5 dBm transmit power
• Data rates up to 43.3 Mbps
• M.2 2230 E-Key form factor
• USB 2.0 host interface
• Industrial operating temperature from -40°C to +85°C
• North America only

These capabilities allow developers to extend wireless coverage while maintaining a compact hardware footprint suitable for embedded systems.

Built for Industrial Applications

Industrial environments demand wireless technologies that remain reliable over long distances and in challenging conditions. The GW16170 helps engineers connect equipment where traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to deploy.

Typical applications include:

• Industrial automation
• Smart agriculture
• Environmental monitoring
• Utility infrastructure
• Smart cities
• Transportation systems
• Remote monitoring
• Industrial gateways
• Edge computing

Many of these applications require communication with devices located hundreds of meters or even kilometers apart. Wi-Fi HaLow helps bridge these distances while supporting reliable wireless communication using familiar IP protocols.

Powered by Morse Micro Innovation

At the heart of the GW16170 is the Morse Micro MM8108-M20, a second-generation Wi-Fi HaLow solution engineered specifically for next-generation IoT connectivity.

The MM8108 supports channel bandwidths from 1 MHz to 8 MHz and delivers improved performance while maintaining the power efficiency that makes Wi-Fi HaLow attractive for Industrial IoT deployments. It also supports dense device deployments, allowing more connected endpoints to operate across a single wireless infrastructure.

This combination of long range, low power operation, and scalable connectivity makes Wi-Fi HaLow well suited for applications where reliability and network coverage are equally important.

Designed for Gateworks Platforms

The GW16170 integrates directly with Gateworks Single Board Computers through its USB 2.0 M.2 interface. For Venice platforms without an onboard M.2 E-Key connector, developers can utilize the GW16151 adapter to add compatibility.

Gateworks also provides software support for the MM8108 within its Ubuntu Linux and OpenWrt Board Support Packages. Developers can begin evaluating Wi-Fi HaLow quickly while leveraging the same software ecosystem used across Gateworks embedded computing platforms.

This tight hardware and software integration helps reduce development time and allows engineering teams to focus on application development rather than wireless integration.

Engineered for Real-World Deployments

Industrial wireless hardware must perform consistently under demanding operating conditions. The GW16170 is designed with the same industrial focus found throughout the Gateworks product portfolio.

Its industrial temperature rating of -40°C to +85°C allows deployment in outdoor enclosures, transportation systems, industrial equipment, energy infrastructure, and other environments where commercial wireless hardware may not be suitable.

Combined with its compact M.2 2230 form factor, the GW16170 provides a flexible solution for space-constrained embedded designs without compromising wireless performance.

Bringing Long-Range Wi-Fi to the Industrial Edge

As Industrial IoT applications continue to expand, engineers need wireless technologies that deliver greater range, simpler integration and reliable performance in demanding environments. The GW16170 brings these capabilities together in a compact, industrial-grade module designed specifically for embedded systems.

By combining Gateworks’ rugged embedded computing expertise with Morse Micro’s advanced Wi-Fi HaLow technology, the GW16170 enables developers to extend network coverage, simplify wireless deployments, and build scalable Industrial IoT solutions with confidence.

Whether connecting remote sensors across a manufacturing campus, monitoring utility infrastructure, enabling smart agriculture, or deploying next-generation edge computing systems, the GW16170 provides the long-range wireless foundation needed to support tomorrow’s connected industrial applications.

Learn More

Ready to add long-range Wi-Fi HaLow connectivity to your next embedded design?

Visit the GW16170 Gateworks product page to explore specifications, software support, and compatibility with Gateworks Single Board Computers. Learn more about Wi-Fi HaLow technology by visiting Morse Micro.

Buy evaluation units through DigiKey HERE. Also available through Braemac Americas, Avnet and directly through Gateworks.