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2026

AWT100 Wi-Fi HaLow Wireless Communication Data Converter

Acrel AWT100-AP/WFH: Wi-Fi HaLow Wireless Communication Data Converter - Deep Dive & Application Solutions

Release Date: 2026.03.16

Brand: Acrel Electric Co., Ltd.

Overview

Acrel’s AWT100-AP/WFH is a high-performance Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) wireless communication data converter, engineered to address the pain points of traditional 2.4GHz Wi-Fi in IoT deployments—such as limited transmission range, weak penetration, and high power consumption. Operating on the Sub-1GHz frequency band, this module features long-distance transmission, ultra-strong wall penetration, and low power consumption, with two regional versions for global deployment. It realizes seamless conversion of the Modbus-RTU protocol and all-link wireless data transmission, making it an ideal communication solution for smart grid, industrial IoT, building automation, and photovoltaic energy storage scenarios. It perfectly fills the technical gap between insufficient traditional Wi-Fi coverage and excessive cellular network performance, empowering the digital and intelligent upgrade of industrial and energy systems.

Technical Background & Product Positioning

1. Wi-Fi HaLow Technology Evolution

Wi-Fi HaLow, based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, was finalized in 2016. After years of technical verification and pilot deployment, it entered the Asia-Pacific commercial acceleration phase in 2024 and has since become a core technology in the global IoT communication field, especially for large-scale low-power IoT device networking.

2. Core Advantages of Sub-1GHz Band

Compared with the traditional 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, the Sub-1GHz band adopted by the AWT100-AP/WFH delivers:

Longer transmission distance: Enables stable wireless communication in large factories, urban complexes and other wide scenarios.
Stronger penetration capability: Breaks through the signal shielding of reinforced concrete, metal enclosures and other obstacles, suitable for complex indoor and industrial environments.
Lower power consumption: Reduces energy loss of the module and matched terminal devices, meeting the low-power operation requirements of IoT systems.

3. Market Positioning & Application Value

The AWT100-AP/WFH is positioned as a cost-effective industrial wireless data conversion core module, dedicated to providing reliable wireless communication support for smart meter reading, industrial sensing, smart city, and distributed energy systems. It bridges the technical gap between traditional Wi-Fi (insufficient coverage in complex environments) and cellular networks (excessive performance and high cost for small and medium-sized IoT projects), and has broad application prospects in global industrial and energy IoT markets.

Core Functions & Key Features

1. Compliant Wireless Communication Specification

Standard Compliance: Fully conforms to the IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow standard, ensuring high compatibility and interoperability.
Regional Frequency Band Versions:
- EU Version: 859-894MHz, suitable for Europe, Asia and most international regions.
- NA Version: 902-928MHz, exclusive for the North American market.
Superior Communication Performance:
- Recommended communication distance: 200 meters (factory/urban environment).
- Same-floor wall penetration: Stable communication at 60 meters through 5 walls (no antenna occlusion).
- Vertical floor penetration: Up to 3 floors (complex industrial environment recommended).
- Ensures real-time and reliable Modbus protocol communication in high-interference industrial sites.

2. Secure Encryption & Data Protection

The module adopts a dual security system to fully protect the confidentiality and integrity of wireless data transmission:

WPA2-PSK Authentication: Establishes a strong identity verification mechanism to effectively prevent unauthorized device access and network intrusion.
AES End-to-End Encryption: Adopts the advanced encryption standard to resist data eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks and other security risks, meeting the data security requirements of industrial and energy systems.

3. Dual-Mode Architecture & One-Click Network Configuration

AP/STA Dual Working Modes:
- AP Mode (Access Point): Serves as a wireless access hub to realize multi-terminal device networking.
- STA Mode (Client): Connects to the AP module or other wireless gateways as a terminal device.
- Supports point-to-point and one-to-multipoint wireless data transmission; mode switching via 3-second long press of the front button for flexible adaptation to different network architectures.
Intelligent One-Click Network Configuration:
- Short press the AP/STA module buttons to enter the network configuration mode (STA light flashes quickly for pairing search).
- STA module red light always on = successful network configuration; short press the AP button to exit the configuration mode.
- Simple and efficient operation, reducing the difficulty of on-site deployment and debugging.

4. Seamless Industrial Protocol Conversion

Core function: Realizes seamless conversion of the Modbus-RTU protocol and all-link wireless data transmission, connecting wired Modbus-RTU terminal devices (such as electric meters, sensors, inverters) to the wireless network. It replaces the traditional wired 485 communication, solving the problems of complex wiring, difficult maintenance and high transformation cost in industrial sites.

Performance Parameters & Product Specifications

1. Physical & Installation Specifications

Item	Parameter
Dimensions (L×W×H)	18mm × 125mm × 70mm
Installation Environment	Indoor use only
IP Rating	Front panel: IP51; Overall: IP20 (per IEC 60529)
Pollution Degree	II
UC Degree	III

2. Communication Parameters

Item	Parameter
Wireless Protocol	IEEE 802.11ah (Wi-Fi HaLow)
Operating Frequency	EU: 859-894MHz; NA: 902-928MHz
Communication Interfaces	Serial Port, RJ45 Terminal
Antenna Interface	50Ω SMA (Female)
Baud Rate Range	2400bps - 115200bps
Max Transmission Range	200 meters (open/urban environment)
Core Protocol Conversion	Modbus-RTU

3. Power Supply & Power Consumption

Item	Parameter
Power Supply	AC220V
Max Power Consumption	≤3W (low power operation)

4. Environmental Adaptability

Item	Parameter
Operating Temperature	-20℃ ~ +55℃
Storage Temperature	-40℃ ~ +85℃
Humidity Range	<95% RH (non-condensing; not suitable for damp environments)

Application Scenarios & Integrated Solutions

The AWT100-AP/WFH adopts a four-layer networking architecture: Gateway → Primary AP → Terminal STA → Meters/Devices, realizing unidirectional/reverse wireless data transmission of the whole link. Downlink data flows from the gateway to the terminal devices through the AWT100 (AP) and WFH wireless channel; uplink data is transmitted reversely, which is widely applicable to the following core scenarios:

1. Smart Grid & Wireless Meter Reading

Solution: Build a wireless meter reading system for smart grid, replacing the traditional wired 485 meter reading mode. The AWT100-AP/WFH connects electric energy meters, water/gas meters and other terminal metering devices to the grid monitoring platform wirelessly.
Value: Solve the problems of difficult wiring in old community transformation, high maintenance cost of outdoor wired lines, and limited meter reading range; realize real-time, accurate and remote meter reading, improving the management efficiency of the power supply department.

2. Building Automation

Application Scenarios: HVAC control, intelligent lighting, security monitoring, building energy consumption monitoring.
Value: Rely on the super-strong penetration capability of the Sub-1GHz band to break through the signal shielding of the building's reinforced concrete structure; realize wireless networking of all building automation devices, reduce wiring cost, and realize centralized and intelligent management of building equipment.

3. Industrial IoT (IIoT)

Application Scenarios: Industrial equipment status monitoring, remote control, automated data acquisition (ADA), factory energy consumption management.
Value: Realize wireless data transmission between industrial field devices (sensors, controllers, frequency converters) and the industrial control platform; adapt to the complex high-interference industrial environment, ensure the real-time and reliability of data transmission, and empower the digital transformation of factories.

4. Photovoltaic Energy Storage & Anti-backflow System

Application Scenarios: Household photovoltaic systems, industrial and commercial photovoltaic power stations, photovoltaic anti-backflow control.
Value: Meet the wireless installation construction requirements of photovoltaic systems, realize wireless communication between photovoltaic inverters, energy meters and anti-backflow controllers; simplify the on-site wiring of photovoltaic power stations, reduce construction difficulty, and ensure the stable and compliant operation of the photovoltaic system.

5. Power Load Monitoring

Application Scenarios: Distribution room monitoring, industrial power load control, enterprise energy consumption fine management.
Value: Realize real-time wireless collection of power load data (current, voltage, power, energy consumption); support the fine management and decision-making of enterprise power use, and help enterprises save energy and reduce consumption.

Core Advantages & Market Value

Global Deployment Capability: Two regional frequency band versions (EU/NA) meet the wireless communication frequency band requirements of major global markets, supporting Acrel’s overseas business layout.
Cost-Effective Wireless Solution: Replaces traditional wired communication and high-cost cellular network, reducing the initial deployment and later maintenance costs of IoT systems by more than 30%.
Strong Environmental Adaptability: Wide operating temperature range, low power consumption and industrial-grade security design, adapting to the harsh working environment of industrial and energy sites.
Simple & Efficient Deployment: One-click network configuration and button mode switching, reducing the professional requirements of on-site debugging personnel and improving deployment efficiency.
Seamless Industrial Compatibility: Perfectly compatible with the Modbus-RTU protocol, the most widely used industrial protocol, and can be connected with most industrial terminal devices without secondary development.

About Acrel

Acrel Electric Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of smart energy management and industrial IoT solutions, committed to R&D, production and sales of electric energy metering, power monitoring, industrial automation and IoT communication products. With advanced core technology and rich project experience, Acrel's products are widely used in smart grid, industrial manufacturing, building automation, photovoltaic energy storage, new energy vehicles and other fields, serving customers in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. The launch of the AWT100-AP/WFH Wi-Fi HaLow data converter enriches Acrel’s IoT communication product line, and provides a more reliable, efficient and cost-effective wireless communication solution for the global industrial and energy IoT market.

We develop everything in-house, from end-user hardware to gateways to platforms. We integrate R&D, production, and sales.

For more solutions and product details, please add my WhatsApp: +86 15076062079 for consultation,

or you can contact me by email: binn@acrel-electric.com