Summary of ESP32- Now With Long Range Wi-Fi
The article describes ESP32's support for 802.11 LR (Long Range) mode added to ESP-IDF in late 2016, enabling up to 1 km line-of-sight Wi‑Fi between ESP32 station and Soft-AP. The mode is easy to enable via a function call, reduces data rate, and benefits from directional antennas for greater range. ESP32 is a low-cost, low-power SoC with Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth using a Tensilica Xtensa LX6 core, popular for IoT and mobile devices. Field tests exist (drones, long-distance), but formal performance and application data remain limited.
Parts used in the ESP32 Long Range Wi-Fi Project:
- ESP32 device (SoC with Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth)
- Common router antenna
- Directional antenna (optional for improved range)
- Power source for ESP32
- ESP-IDF development framework (software)
Nowadays, Wi-Fi is a word we hear often, and it is a technology that we use all the time. There are around 279 million Wi-Fi hotspots in the world, and in 2021 that number is expected to increase to 542 million hotspots. The wireless nature of this technology allows users to access a network from any convenient location. Wi-Fi chipsets are pieces of hardware designed for wireless communication and they are cheap, and readily available, but the range don’t match the expectations, and configuring its coverage is no easy task.
Support for the 802.11 LR mode in the ESP-IDF was added at the end of 2016. The 802.11 LR mode can achieve a 1 km line of sight range if both the station and the Soft-AP are connected to an ESP32 device.
ESP32 is a low cost, low power system on a chip (SoC) with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It was created for mobile devices, wearables electronics, and for Internet of Things applications. The devices have low power consumption. The EPS32 uses Tensilica Xtensa LX6 microprocessor and it was created by Espressif systems.
The mode was included quietly, so there has not been much talk about it, but some people noticed the inclusion, and have been testing the long-range mode in the field. Enabling the mode requires only a function call, making it easy to use. The long-range mode comes with a cost which is the data rate which is significantly reduced. In addition, a lot more can be done if the common router antenna is replaced by directional antenna.
This device has already been tested by some users for drones and long-distance applications, but there is no formal data about the device’s performance, problems, and even the applications are not clear enough. The recent increase in popularity could lead to conclusive data which could make the mode more reliable.
Read more: ESP32- Now With Long Range Wi-Fi
- What is the maximum line-of-sight range of ESP32 in 802.11 LR mode?
The article states it can achieve a 1 km line of sight range when both station and Soft-AP are connected to ESP32 devices. - How do you enable long-range mode on ESP32?
Enabling the mode requires only a function call in the ESP-IDF. - Does long-range mode affect data rate?
Yes, the long-range mode significantly reduces the data rate. - Can antenna choice affect ESP32 long-range performance?
Yes, replacing the common router antenna with a directional antenna can improve range. - What processor does the ESP32 use?
The ESP32 uses a Tensilica Xtensa LX6 microprocessor. - Is the long-range mode widely documented and tested?
No, the mode was included quietly and formal performance data and applications remain limited despite some field testing. - What applications have users tested ESP32 long-range mode for?
Some users have tested it for drones and long-distance applications. - Is ESP32 suitable for low-power IoT applications?
Yes, the article indicates ESP32 is low cost and has low power consumption, intended for IoT and mobile devices.
