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| The new HaLowLink 2 router covers 1 km and can link up to 1,000 IoT devices |
In a world where smart devices are sprouting up on farms, factories, and sprawling homesteads, reliable long-range connectivity remains a tough challenge. Enter the next generation of wireless solution: GL.iNet, in collaboration with Morse Micro, has just launched the HaLowLink 2, a powerful successor designed to blanket vast areas in a stable, low-power Wi-Fi signal. Priced at $129.90 and available now as a direct import, this router aims to be the cornerstone for serious Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
What is Wi-Fi HaLow, and Why Does It Matter?
Before diving into the new model, let's decode the tech. The HaLowLink 2 isn't your typical router. It uses Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah), a standard that operates in the sub-1GHz frequency band. This is a game-changer for range and penetration. Compared to the crowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands used by standard Wi-Fi, HaLow's lower frequency travels significantly farther and punches through walls, floors, and obstacles with much greater ease. Think of it as the difference between a shout and a sustained, penetrating hum.
The HaLowLink 2: More Range, More Devices, More Power
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the HaLowLink 1, this second iteration pushes the boundaries further. GL.iNet claims the new model can cover up to 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in open space—that's over 200 acres—without a single extender. For context, that could connect sensors across an entire vineyard, a large construction site, or a rural property without resorting to expensive and complex infrastructure.
But range is only half the story. Capacity is critical for IoT, where dozens or hundreds of sensors might need to report in. The HaLowLink 2 raises the bar, supporting an impressive up to 1,000 connected end-devices. This makes it a viable backbone for agricultural sensor networks, industrial automation, smart city applications, and large-scale smart home environments.
Interested in the specs? You can find full details and purchase the router directly on the official product page here: GL.iNet HaLowLink 2.
Under the Hood and Practical Setup
The hardware is built for duty. At its core is a dual-core MediaTek MT7621 processor, paired with 256 MB of DRAM, ensuring it can handle managing a small army of devices. For ports, it includes one LAN, one WAN, and a handy USB-C port for power.
Physically, it's a compact device featuring one external antenna for the HaLow network and two internal antennas for a secondary purpose: backward compatibility. Out of the box, it communicates only with HaLow-enabled devices. However, a clever feature allows you to pair a second HaLowLink 2 unit as an extender. That extender can then generate a standard 2.4GHz Wi-Fi hotspot, bridging the gap to connect your everyday phones, laptops, and cameras to the long-range HaLow backbone.
Availability and Pricing
The HaLowLink 2 is available for purchase immediately. For users ready to build a network, GL.iNet offers a two-pack bundle for $233.82, which provides a cost-effective way to create a long-range link with a 2.4GHz access point at the far end.
You can order the unit through their US storefront: Buy HaLowLink 2 at GL.iNet US Store.
Important Note: As a direct import from China, the listed prices do not include potential import duties or taxes, which vary by country. Customers are advised to factor this in.
The Bottom Line
The GL.iNet and Morse Micro HaLowLink 2 emerges as a compelling, specialized tool. It directly addresses the pain points of distance and scale that plague traditional Wi-Fi in outdoor and industrial settings. For developers, businesses, or ambitious homeowners building a vast network of sensors and smart devices, this router provides a relatively affordable and powerful gateway into the long-range potential of Wi-Fi HaLow technology.
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| The GL.iNet HaLowLink 2 router. |
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| Comes with one external HaLow antenna and two internal 2.4GHz Wi-Fi antennas. |
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| It has one LAN port, one WAN port, and one USB-C port. |