Amazon Sidewalk is a low-bandwidth long-range wireless communication protocol developed by Amazon.[1] It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for short distance communication,[2] and 900 MHz LoRa and other frequencies for longer distances.[3]
| Communication protocol | |
 | |
| Purpose | Internet of things long-range connectivity |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Amazon Inc. |
| Based on | Bluetooth low energy, LoRa |
| Hardware | Ring Floodlight Cam (2019), Ring Spotlight Cam Wired (2019), Ring Spotlight Cam Mount (2019), Echo (3rd gen and newer), Echo Dot (3rd gen and newer), Echo Dot for Kids (3rd gen and newer), Echo Dot with Clock (3rd gen and newer), Echo Plus (all generations), Echo Show (2nd gen), Echo Show 5, 8, 10 (all generations), Echo Spot, Echo Studio, Echo Input, Echo Flex. |
| Website | www |
History
editThe idea of the Amazon Sidewalk wireless network originated from a startup called Iotera, founded by Rob Barton and Ben Wild. They launched the idea of a crowd sourced mesh network through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014. Iotera was acquired by Ring Home Security in late 2017 and after Ring was acquired by Amazon in 2018,[4] the Sidewalk project began building on top of the Iotera technology. In September, 2019, Amazon announced the Sidewalk network and a domestic pet collar called Fetch (developed together with Tile) as the first device which would use the network.[1][5][3] The network is composed of existing customers' Echo smart speakers which act as the bridges between Sidewalk and the Internet.[6]
In September 2020, Amazon started seeking hardware developers to partner and develop devices for the network.[7]
In May 2021, Amazon and Tile announced plans to use Sidewalk to compete with the AirTag tracker device and associated location service from Apple.[8] CareBand starts a pilot with Sidewalk to support people living with dementia in smart neighborhoods.[9]
Amazon launched the Sidewalk network in the US on June 8, 2021.[10][11]
In March 2023, Amazon opened the network up for outside developers to access, providing free test kits for developers to build Sidewalk devices. They stated that more than 90% of the U.S. population was covered by the Sidewalk network.[12]
Reception
editAmazon Echo devices have Sidewalk enabled by default and do not inform their owner about it. The feature can be disabled via the official app.[10]
A number of prominent news publishers, including The Guardian,[13] ArsTechnica,[11] CNET,[14] PCMag,[15] Click2Houston,[16] and Bleeping Computer,[17] expressed concern with opt-out nature of the network and published guides how to disable Amazon Sidewalk.
Amazon stated that "the maximum bandwidth of a Sidewalk Bridge to the Sidewalk server is 80 Kbps, which is about 1/40th [2.5%] of the bandwidth used to stream a typical high definition video."[18] This comparison is misleading for ADSL connections with upstream bandwidth more limited than downstream bandwidth: 80 Kbps approaches 20% of the capacity of a 448 Kbps uplink.
Technology
editAmazon Sidewalk amalgamates multiple physical-layer wireless networking protocols and presents them into a single application layer they call "Sidewalk Application Layer".
Transmission technologies:
- Bluetooth Low Energy for short distances and battery efficiency
- LoRa for long-range low-power communication
- Frequency-shift keying at 900 MHz, intended for interacting with legacy home appliances like garage door openers
Devices
editThe following devices support Amazon Sidewalk:
- Amazon Echo devices
- Ring doorbells and cameras
- CareBand wearables for people living with dementia
- Fetch, an upcoming pet collar from Tile[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Amazon Sidewalk is a new long-range wireless network for your stuff". TechCrunch. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
- ^ Bush, Steve (2020-09-21). "Amazon engages with Nordic, Semtech, SiLabs and TI on 'Sidewalk' 900MHz + 2.4GHz network". Electronics Weekly. Retrieved 2020-09-23.
- ^ a b Rayome, Alison DeNisco. "Amazon Sidewalk extends beyond Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range to control more gadgets". CNET. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
- ^ "Amazon and Ring Close Acquisition—Now Working Together to Empower Neighbors with Affordable Ways to Monitor their Homes and Reduce Crime in Neighborhoods". Press Center. 2018-04-12. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
- ^ "Introducing Amazon Sidewalk". US About Amazon. 2019-09-27. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
- ^ a b "Amazon adds Tile to Sidewalk wireless network; says Echo devices can serve as bridges; explains bandwidth sharing". GeekWire. 2020-09-21. Retrieved 2020-09-23.
- ^ "Amazon Sidewalk paves the way for more connected communities". developer.amazon.com. Retrieved 2020-09-23.
- ^ John Fortt (May 7, 2021). "Amazon partners with Tile to take on Apple AirTags". CNBC.
- ^ "Echo, Tile, and Level devices join Amazon Sidewalk". Amazon.com. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- ^ a b Aten, Jason (2021-05-13). "Amazon's Massive Tracking Network Is Turned On By Default. Here's How to Turn It Off". Inc.com. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
- ^ a b Goodin, Dan (2021-05-29). "Amazon devices will soon automatically share your Internet with neighbors". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
- ^ Tuohy, Jennifer Pattison (2023-03-28). "Amazon has just opened up its Sidewalk network and it's gigantic". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
- ^ "Amazon US customers have one week to opt out of mass wireless sharing". The Guardian. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
- ^ Priest, David. "How to switch off Amazon Sidewalk in the Alexa app". CNET. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
- ^ "What Is Amazon Sidewalk and How Do You Disable It?". PCMag. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
- ^ Davis, Amy (2021-06-01). "Amazon plans to share your internet with your neighbors. This is how you opt out". KPRC. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
- ^ "Amazon to share your Internet with neighbors on Tuesday - How to opt out". Bleeping Computer. Retrieved 2021-06-06.
- ^ "Amazon.com: Amazon Sidewalk: Amazon Devices & Accessories". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 2021-06-07.