GL.iNet HaLowLink 2: New Wi-Fi router promises up to 1 km range and support for 1,000 devices

GL.iNet and Morse Micro have released the HaLowLink 2, the successor to the HaLowLink 1 long-range router. The new model brings even longer range coverage and higher capacity for IoT devices and is now available from the GL.iNet website for $129.90 as a direct import from China.

Like the name suggests, the HaLowLink 2 is a Wi-Fi HaLow router. It operates in the sub-1GHz band, which enables longer range and better signal penetration through walls and floors than standard 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi. According to GL.iNet, the HaLowLink 2 covers up to 1 km (0.6 miles), or more than 200 acres, without the need for an extender. It also supports up to 1,000 IoT end devices, making it ideal for large-scale IoT deployments.

The router itself includes one LAN port, one WAN port, and an extra USB-C port. It is powered by a dual-core MediaTek MT7621 processor and comes with 256 MB of DRAM. Out of the box, it works with HaLow-enabled devices, but users can pair a second unit as an extender to create a 2.4GHz hotspot for standard Wi-Fi devices. It has one external HaLow antenna and two internal 2.4GHz Wi-Fi antennas, all in a small and compact form factor.

The HaLowLink 2 is available now through the GL.iNet website. It costs $129.90 for a single unit and $233.82 for a two-pack, sold as a direct import from China and not including import fees.