What type of connectivity does the 802.11ah standard primarily offer?

The 802.11ah standard, also known as Wi-Fi HaLow, is specifically designed to provide long-range wireless connectivity, particularly suited for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This standard operates in the sub-GHz frequency bands, which allows for better penetration through obstacles and significantly extended range compared to higher frequency Wi-Fi standards. It can achieve connectivity over distances that can exceed a kilometer in open spaces, making it ideal for applications like smart agriculture, industrial monitoring, and smart city infrastructure.

In contrast to other options, such as high-speed connections or wireless networking limited to laptops, 802.11ah prioritizes energy efficiency and reliable connections over long distances for a greater number of devices, which is a hallmark of IoT applications. This makes it distinctly different from standards aimed at short-range connectivity, which typically focus on higher data rates but cover lesser distances.