Elecrow’s ThinkNode G4 is a Wi-Fi HaLow gateway with Ethernet and 2.4 GHz WiFi that allows you to connect compatible devices or extend the range of existing devices when used with two gateways or in an 802.11s Mesh configuration with multiple gateways.
It’s based on a (legacy) Mediatek MT7628N MIPS processor paired with a Quectel FGH100M featuring Morse Micro MM6108 Wi-Fi HaLow SoC introduced in 2022 with a data rate of up to 32.5 Mbps and a range of up to one kilometer with line-of-sight.
ThinkNode G4 specifications:
- Core module – HLK-7628N Module
- SoC – Mediatek MT7628N MIPS processor @ up to 580 MHz
- System Memory – 128MB DDR2 RAM
- Storage – 32 MB SPI flash
- Connectivity – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 2×2 MIMO 802.11b/g/n up to 300 Mbps combined
- WiFi HaLow
- Module – Quectel FGH100M based on Morse Micro MM6108 chipset
- WiFi protocol – IEEE 802.11ah
- Frequency band – 850~950 MHz
- Modulation methods – OFDM, BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM
- Encryption modes – AES, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512, WPA3
- Operation modes – AP/ STA / Mesh (802.11s)
- Physical layer maximum rate – 32.5 Mbps
- Tx power – 21dBm
- Range up to 1 to 2 km
- Ethernet – 10/100 Mbps Ethernet RJ45 port
- USB – 1x USB Type-C port
- Misc
- CFG Button to enter configuration mode, restart gateway, or restore factory settings
- Power, HaLow, and LINK LEDs
- 3x holes for wall mounting
- 2.4 GHz WiFi antenna
- External WiFi HaLow antenna (tuned for 902-928 MHz)
- Power Supply – 5V/1A via USB-C port
- Dimensions – 75 x 75 x 30mm exclusing antenna
- Weight – 80 grams
- Temperature Range – Operating: -20~70°C; storage: -20~70°C
- Relative Humidity – 10%~90%, non-condensing
The ThinkNode G4 Wi-Fi HaLow gateway ships with a Wi-Fi HaLow antenna (915 MHz), a 2.4GHz antenna for regular 2.4 GHz WiFi, and a USB-C cable for power. Since the antenna is tuned for the 902-928 MHz band, suitable for the Americas, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and a few other countries, but not the 868 MHz band notably used in Europe, you may have to replace it depending on your country.
We’re not told anything about the software, but I saw a screenshot with Linux 5.15 and “OpenWrt 1.1”, meaning it’s probably a fork rather than OpenWrt with Linux 6.12, despite the Mediatek MT7628N being supported in upstream OpenWrt. I suspect they just use the OpenWrt fork from Morse Micro like most MM WiFi HaLow gateways. We also have more information about the LuCi-based user interface through the user manual. The gateway can be configured as a client (STA) or a gateway (AP) in standard Wi-Fi HaLow mode, or as a Mesh Gate/Point when using the 802.11s standard.
Target applications include remote camera monitoring, industrial automation control, asset management and tracking, Smart Home, Smart City, Wi-Fi/Ethernet/Wi-Fi-HaLow extension and bridging, and rural/remote internet access.
This type of solution is not exactly new since we’ve covered products such as a WiFi HaLow extension kit and AsiaRF AP7688-WHM WiFi HaLow IoT gateways at least since 2021. More recently, we noted the HalowLink 2 with more powerful hardware (Mediatek MT7621 dual-core @ 880MHz, 256MB DDR3, 32MB NAND Flash, MM8108 chipset), and the main advantage of the ThinkNode G4 is its affordability.
Elecrow sells the ThinkNode G4 for $54 plus shipping and taxes on its online store, and it may soon become available on the company’s AliExpress store.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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