Wi-Fi enhances IoT device interoperability for high performance and business transformation.
Wi-Fi is a wireless connectivity protocol based on the 802.11 wireless communication standard and several generations of technologies, Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 7 (expected to be released in 2024). In addition, Wi-Fi technology has backward compatibility, allowing older devices to interoperate with new devices in the network.
Wi-Fi names describe the technology contained in the IoT device as well as the type of network connection, identified by a numerical sequence that matches the version advancements in 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz radio frequency (RF) bands.
- Wi-Fi 7 uses 802.11be technology
- Wi-Fi 6 uses 802.11ax technology (6GHz)
- Wi-Fi 5 uses 802.11ac technology (5GHz)
- Wi-Fi 4 uses 802.11n technology (2.4GHz)
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-1.png)
The Wi-Fi Alliance is an organization with a certification program for products (the Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDâ„¢ seal of approval) that ensure interoperability, compatibility, and security protections. The 6GHz spectrum is unlicensed (license-exempt) and has 160 channels of uncongested bandwidth delivering multigigabit Wi-Fi.
IoT Wireless Connectivity
The growing consumer requirements and demanding use cases require a highly reliable network with the capacity (low latency) to consistently connect many devices (densification) at high speeds simultaneously (High Band Simultaneous Multi-Link).
IoT applications using Wi-Fi provide robust connectivity, fast uploads, strong WPA3 security protocols, and robust authentication to protect information and support environments. Wi-Fi also provides exact location information for IoT services, such as asset tracking, location services, logistics, geofencing, etc.
IoT devices can extend the Wi-Fi range (approximately 1km) and low power connectivity using Wi-Fi HaLow, which operates in the sub-1GHz band. It is also used for challenging environments with barriers that require a strong connection. In addition, Wi-Fi HaLow is for devices that can operate with batteries for months or years.
Wi-Fi complements the deployment of other technologies, such as cellular communications and Bluetooth, where connectivity issues might arise. Many SoCs (system on chip) support features of dual bands (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth).
Benefits of Wi-Fi for IoT
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/ios-16@3x-2.png)
Cost-effective
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-12@3x-1.png)
Low latency suited for enterprise and industrial IoT
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-14@3x-2.png)
Low latency suited for enterprise and industrial IoT
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/etl_elt@3x-3.png)
Faster uploads for multiple users (multiple-input multiple-output: MIMO)
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-17@3x-4.png)
Low power and sleep modes improve IoT device battery life and efficiency (target wake time: TWT)
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-18@3x-2.png)
Extended coverage range in dense and congested environments
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-19@3x-5.png)
Extended coverage range in dense and congested environments
![UI/UX Design](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/digital-transformation@3x.png)
Applies to transmit beamforming techniques to increase signal transmission and network capacity at specific ranges
Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 Capabilities
- Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). Shares channels for lower latency in uplink and downlink traffic.
- Target wake time (TWT) improves IoT devices’ battery life
- Multi-user multiple input, multiple outputs (MU-MIMO). Enables access points to handle more IoT devices and transfer higher data loads.
Wi-Fi for IoT Use Cases
Applications that require high bandwidth and low power:
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-22@3x-4.png)
Smart home automation
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-27@3x-2.png)
AR/VR—metaverse and 8k streaming
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/ui-ux@3x.png)
Smart cities
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-30@3x-1.png)
Healthcare
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-23@3x-1.png)
Industrial IoT (IIoT)
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-29@3x-3.png)
Agriculture
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-24.png)
Home security surveillance
![](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/group-28@3x-3.png)
Connected cars
Benefits of Partnering for Implementing Wi-Fi in IoT Projects
• Review of hardware designs (PCB) and Gerber files by subject-matter experts
• Wi-Fi next-generation product design and customized functionality
• Design products from existing qualified solutions
• Assistance in development of innovative products designed to meet Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ product requirements
• Testing of Wi-Fi components and functionality
• Select optimal Wi-Fi device
• Develop embedded software
Wi-Fi Connectivity Solutions
Wi-Fi Modules
Wi-Fi modules are electronic components with integrated and defined radio frequency (RF) protocol standards to build IoT products with embedded Wi-Fi.
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-2.png)
ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module. Connect your microcontroller or Arduino board to the internet by adding an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module. (ESP8266 Wi-Fi module Arduino)
Wi-Fi System on Chip (SoC)
A system on chip (SoC) is a low-power chip (integrated circuit) that integrates components into a single chip, maximizing functionality and allowing faster development of an entire application with reduced software requirements.
Wi-Fi Wireless Microcontrollers (MCUs)
Microcontrollers are integrated circuits, similar to systems on chip (SoC), with CPU, memory, and peripherals, designed for embedded applications.
PIC32MZ-W1 Wi-Fi SoC. The PIC32MZ-W1 is a low-cost, high-performance 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) with industrial Wi-Fi connectivity.
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-3.png)
IoT Development Boards
IoT development boards are integrated Wi-Fi MCU modules that support Wi-Fi functionalities and features. Using a development board is an effective way to connect embedded apps to IoT platforms. Boards may have sensors to collect and transmit data and can be connected to other peripherals.
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-5.png)
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-4.png)
Single Board Computer (SBC)
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-7.png)
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-8.png)
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-6.png)
Wi-Fi Network Controller and Processors
A network processor is a device (integrated circuit) with network application features, such as adding Wi-Fi to MCUs to enable cloud connectivity. A Wi-Fi network processor can be external or built-in the microcontroller (MCU)
![hyperledger-sawtooth@3x](https://www.krasamo.com/wp-content/uploads/hyperledger-sawtooth@3x-9.png)