In the vast ecosystem of the Internet of Things (IoT), WiFi technology has emerged as a core bridge for smart devices to access networks, thanks to its high bandwidth, widespread ecosystem, and easy deployment. Chengdu EBYTE Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (EBYTE), a leading domestic supplier of wireless communication modules, has built a comprehensive and clearly positioned WiFi product matrix to meet full-scenario needs—from consumer to industrial grade, and from basic connectivity to intelligent edge computing. This article systematically sorts out EBYTE's WiFi product series to provide clear guidance for developers in module selection.

WiFi Product Series Overview 

EBYTE's WiFi product line centers on two core series: the E103 Series (general-purpose UART-to-WiFi/Bluetooth modules) and the E101 Series (high-performance, programmable modules based on Espressif ESP32/ESP32-C series). Additionally, there are gateway products like the E870 Series. Together, they form a complete solution covering simple transparent transmission to complex application development.

E103 Series: Plug-and-Play UART-to-WiFi Workhorse

This series focuses on transparency and ease of use, with the core function of transparently transmitting UART data to WiFi networks—greatly lowering the IoT device networking threshold. Users can quickly complete configuration and deployment via AT commands without deep understanding of complex network protocol stacks.

Representative Models:

  • E103-W01: Based on the classic ESP8266, an ultra-cost-effective entry-level choice supporting STA/AP/STA+AP modes, widely used in smart homes and consumer electronics.

  • E103-W05 Series (W05B/W05C): Powered by W600 chip, with 100mW (20dBm) transmission power and AT command compatibility with W01, serving as an upgraded alternative to W01.

  • E103-W10: Another cost-effective option based on ESP8285.

  • E103-W08 Series (W08A/W08B): Equipped with ARM Cortex-M3/M0 dual-core, designed for ultra-low power consumption (minimum 120uA under WiFi connection), supporting BLE provisioning—ideal for battery-powered sensors and medical devices.

  • E103-W14 Series: WiFi & Bluetooth 5.2 dual-mode module, supporting simultaneous STA and BLE slave modes, perfect for smart home appliances and wearables requiring convenient BLE provisioning.

  • E103-W12 Series: Ultra-low power WiFi module based on Dialog DA16200 SoC, tailored for long-term online and power-sensitive applications like smart locks and sensors.

  • E103-W11: Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1, targeting future applications needing higher network capacity and efficiency.

  • E103-RTL8812CU: Low-cost, high-performance dual-band (2.4/5.8GHz) module supporting 802.11ac with a maximum rate of 867Mbps, suitable for high-bandwidth scenarios like HD video transmission and drones.

E101 Series: High-Performance, Re-Programmable AIoT Engine

Based on Espressif ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5, and ESP32-C6 chips, this series not only provides WiFi (and Bluetooth) connectivity but also integrates a powerful MCU—supporting secondary development for local logic processing, edge computing, and AI inference.

Representative Models:

  • E101-C3MN4 Series: Based on ESP32-C3 (RISC-V single-core), compact with rich peripherals—an extremely cost-effective WiFi+BLE 5.0 development module.

  • E101-S3WN8 / E101-S3MN8 Series: Based on ESP32-S3, focusing on AIoT capabilities with an integrated neural network processing unit, suitable for wake-up word detection, face recognition, and smart voice scenarios.

  • E101-C5WN8 Series: Based on ESP32-C5, supporting dual-band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0—an option for future high-performance, high-concurrency applications.

  • E101-C6WN8 / E101-C6MN4 Series: Based on ESP32-C6, supporting WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 with strong performance and rich peripheral interfaces.

Gateway and Router Series: System-Level Network Hubs

These products offer more comprehensive functions, usually integrating routing, switching, and multi-protocol conversion.

Representative Models:

  • E103-W20 Series: WiFi router module based on MT7628 chip, running OpenWrt system with multiple LAN ports—serving as the core of smart gateways and protocol converters.

  • E870 Series (e.g., E870-RIR02 4G Router): Primarily 4G-based but usually integrating WiFi AP functionality, acting as a gateway converting mobile networks to local WiFi.

  • E880-IR01: 4G industrial router also integrating WiFi.

Other and Special Models

  • E103-W02/W02X: Ultra-low power UART-to-WiFi modules based on TI CC3200.

  • E103-W03: Ultra-low power WiFi module based on TI CC3220R.

  • EWM103-W15 Series: WiFi+Bluetooth 5.1 low-power modules.

  • EWM103-WF8723DU: WiFi+BT 4.2 dual-mode module based on RTL8723DU.

Key Technical Features and Selection Comparison

Feature Dimension

Economical Entry-Level

Low-Power/Battery-Powered

High-Performance/Dual-Band

Programmable/Intelligent

Gateway/Router

Representative Models

E103-W01, W05, W10

E103-W08, W12, W14

E103-RTL8812CU, E103-W11

E101-C3/C5/C6/S3 Series

E103-W20, E870 Series

Core Chips

ESP8266, W600, ESP8285

DA16200, Specialized Low-Power SoC

RTL8812, ESP32-C5/C6

ESP32-C3/S3/C5/C6

MT7628, 4G Cat.1/4 Modules

WiFi Standard

802.11 b/g/n

802.11 b/g/n

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (ax for W11)

802.11 b/g/n (C3/S3), ax (C5/C6)

802.11 b/g/n

Frequency Band

2.4GHz Single-Band

2.4GHz Single-Band

2.4GHz & 5GHz Dual-Band

2.4GHz Single or Dual-Band

2.4GHz (or as AP)

Key Features

Ultra-low cost, Simple AT commands

Ultra-low sleep current, BLE provisioning (W14), Long battery life

High throughput (>150Mbps), Strong anti-interference

Integrated programmable MCU, Rich peripherals, AI acceleration (S3), WiFi 6

Multi-network ports, Routing/Switching/NAT, OpenWrt system

Bluetooth

None

BLE 5.2 (W14)

Partially supported (e.g., W11)

BLE 5.0/5.3

Usually None

Interfaces

UART

UART

USB 2.0 (e.g., RTL8812)

GPIO, SPI, I2C, ADC, PWM, etc.

Ethernet, UART, 4G

Typical Applications

Smart sockets, LED lights, Basic sensors

Smart locks, Water/gas meters, Wearables, Sensor networks

IP cameras, Drone image transmission, HD audio

Smart voice devices, Complex HMIs, Edge computing gateways, High-end controllers

Industrial gateways, Smart home hubs, Protocol converters

Selection Recommendations and Scenario Guidance

  1. Pursuing Extreme Cost and Fast Time-to-Market:
    For projects with simple functions, small data volumes, and extreme cost sensitivity, E103-W01 or E103-W05 are optimal choices. They are market-proven with abundant documentation, enabling the fastest product networking.

  2. Battery-Powered and Long Battery Life Requirements:
    Must choose models designed for ultra-low power consumption. For sensors needing constant WiFi connection, select E103-W12; for devices requiring BLE provisioning and intermittent transmission, E103-W14 (WiFi+BLE) is a perfect combination.

  3. Need for High Bandwidth or Anti-Interference:
    In crowded 2.4GHz environments or for HD video/large file transmission, choose dual-band models supporting 5GHz, such as E103-RTL8812CU (802.11ac) or E101-C5WN8 (WiFi 6). WiFi 6 better handles high-concurrency scenarios with multiple devices.

  4. Custom Logic and Edge Processing Needs:
    When devices require local computing, protocol parsing, multi-sensor fusion, or basic AI functions (e.g., voice wake-up), select the E101 Series. Choose C3 (basic), C6 (WiFi 6), or S3 (AI acceleration) based on performance requirements.

  5. Building Local Networks or Complex Protocol Conversion:
    For integrating multiple networks (UART, Ethernet, 4G, WiFi) or running custom network services (e.g., MQTT Broker), choose gateway products like E103-W20 or E870 Series.

  6. Future Compatibility and Technological Prospects:
    In new product planning, supporting WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.x is an investment in the future. E103-W11 and E101-C5/C6 Series offer these advanced featur

EBYTE's WiFi product line, with its depth, breadth, and clear gradient positioning, covers almost all markets of IoT wireless connectivity. From transparent transmission modules that "instantly smarten" traditional devices, to AIoT cores empowering terminal intelligence, and industrial gateways serving as networking hubs, EBYTE provides developers with a one-stop solution. Successful selection starts with comprehensive trade-offs of application requirements in cost, power consumption, data rate, real-time performance, development complexity, and future upgrades. With this guide, developers can more accurately find the key to project success in EBYTE's rich WiFi product library.