Wifi Module Maximum Range?

Range depends on a multitude of factors -

• Interference and noise level from surrounding competing neighbouring devices
• Transmit power of the radio and reception sensitivity of the host and the device - if your end devices are "weak" in transmission, the range would be limited purely because the host cannot hear the endpoint
• Antenna gain and directionality - higher gain can result in longer distance provided the beam patterns are chosen carefully to ensure coverage. Having a device with an external antenna can be of help.

• Data rate in use - lower rates = longer range due to less SNR requirement, but lower throughput and higher probability of collisions.

Which solution you use really depends on what your needs are:

• Is the device going to be an Access Point, a Client to an Access Point or an Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi participant?
• What is the device the Wi-Fi radio is connected to? (Is it an MCU? SoC? Computer?) and via what interface?
• What is the budget?
• Does the module itself need any intelligence? Do you need the module itself to provide I/O in the forms of sensor inputs/status outputs/alarms/etc?
• What is the range?
• What does your spectrum occupancy/noise floor look like?

But basically, if you can look at the specs, you should be able to determine based on the specs which is best for your application. However, remember that Wi-Fi requires two-way communication, so just having a good module in your base station is not enough to ensure a good reliable long-distance link. It may pay to look at other protocols more suited for long distance work or use highly directional antennas depending on the application.

- Gough

For the other protocols, using sub-1 Ghz radios and one concentrator device that can connect to your network (either wired or wifi) would give better coverage for a whole house and surroundings.

And they are much lower energy, alowing the wireless satelites to run longer on a battery.

Does Lora SX1278 come in sub-1 Ghz radios?

The Semtech SX1278 is a LoRA transciever (i.e. not Wi-Fi and not related to the Texas Instruments Sub-Ghz system either) which can operate in the 137-525Mhz range. Technically, the frequencies supported are "sub Ghz" which have better penetration - but you may NOT be allowed to operate in this band without using a commercial licensed service as radio rules vary from country to country in terms of which frequencies, power outputs and modulations are permitted. Within this range of frequencies, commonly broadcast TV, professional mobile radio, amateur radio and low-power remote control devices (315/433Mhz) operate - you can't just "pick any frequency" otherwise you could face stiff penalties due to interfering with others.

For most countries, 900Mhz, 2.4Ghz and parts of the 5Ghz band have special ISM exceptions which allow you to operate without licenses and with only minor restrictions on power and modulations but without any protection against interference. This is because these bands are used by industrial processes which create noise as a byproduct of their operation (e.g. microwave ovens) which limits the band's usefulness anyway.

- Gough

The Semtech SX1278 is a LoRA transciever (i.e. not Wi-Fi and not related to the Texas Instruments Sub-Ghz system either) which can operate in the 137-525Mhz range. Technically, the frequencies supported are "sub Ghz" which have better penetration - but you may NOT be allowed to operate in this band without using a commercial licensed service as radio rules vary from country to country in terms of which frequencies, power outputs and modulations are permitted. Within this range of frequencies, commonly broadcast TV, professional mobile radio, amateur radio and low-power remote control devices (315/433Mhz) operate - you can't just "pick any frequency" otherwise you could face stiff penalties due to interfering with others.

For most countries, 900Mhz, 2.4Ghz and parts of the 5Ghz band have special ISM exceptions which allow you to operate without licenses and with only minor restrictions on power and modulations but without any protection against interference. This is because these bands are used by industrial processes which create noise as a byproduct of their operation (e.g. microwave ovens) which limits the band's usefulness anyway.

- Gough