Does Amazon Have WIFI In 2023? (All You Need to Know as an Amazon Seller)
I‘m William Decker, an experienced Amazon seller, and in this guide, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at Amazon‘s WiFi capabilities in 2023 from the perspective of ecommerce business owners like you.
First, let‘s clear up a common misconception – Amazon does not currently offer its own full-fledged internet service nationwide to compete with major broadband providers like Comcast and Spectrum.
However, Amazon has introduced various WiFi-related products and services to complement its devices and cloud ecosystem. I‘ll compare the pros and cons of these offerings compared to other options on the market.
Overview of Amazon‘s WiFi Products and Services
Here are some of the main WiFi products and technologies available from Amazon:
Eero Mesh Routers – Whole home WiFi systems to eliminate dead zones.
Eero Beacons – WiFi extenders to boost range.
Sidewalk Network – Neighborhood low-bandwidth network for devices.
WiFi in Warehouses – Connects workers‘ mobile devices for inventory management.
Fire TV Setup – Eero routers simplify setup of Fire streaming devices.
Echo Setup – Eero routers enable easy WiFi setup for Echo smart speakers.
So Amazon is focused on networking hardware, range extension, and pairing their devices like Fire TV and Echo versus providing an end-to-end internet service.
How Does Amazon Eero Work for Business Usage?
Arguably Amazon‘s flagship WiFi offering is the Eero mesh system. The dual or tri-band routers provide whole home coverage through multiple access points.
Here are some key features of Eero from a business standpoint:
Blanket Coverage – 1 Eero covers up to 1,500 sq ft, expandable up to 5,000 sq ft.
Tri-Band WiFi 6 – Fast wireless speeds up to 500 Mbps per node.
Simple Setup – Eero app for iOS/Android simplifies installation.
Guest Network Access – Allows employees or customers to use a separate SSID.
Robust Parental Controls – Block sites and filter content for secure business WiFi.
Alexa Integration – Useful for voice controlling smart office devices.
Subscription Extras – Includes advanced security and password manager.
Eero is a high-performance mesh system able to handle dozens of employee devices, though more affordable enterprise options are available.
Sidewalk Network Pros and Cons for Businesses
Amazon Sidewalk aims to strengthen WiFi signals using 900 MHz spectrum. This can extend connectivity range up to half a mile for compatible devices like Echo units and Ring cameras.
Pros for business usage:
- Expands WiFi range for IoT devices like sensors.
- Keeps Echo devices connected if main network fails.
- Useful for remote equipment in a warehouse or on a campus.
Cons to weigh:
- Very limited bandwidth (80 Kbps max).
- Requires Echo or Ring as bridge to tap into Sidewalk network.
- Need to opt-in via Alexa app (disabled by default).
- Little benefit for indoor business networks.
So while Sidewalk can fill niche range extension uses, it has limited utility for general business connectivity due to minimal bandwidth.
Amazon Leverages WiFi for Internal Operations
Amazon utilizes purpose-built WiFi networks within its warehouses, fulfillment centers, and physical stores for inventory management, communication, and oversight.
As noted in job postings, Amazon refers to this as "Industrial WiFi", using gear like Aruba access points.
Key advantages of WiFi for Amazon‘s internal operations:
Accurate Tracking – Associates scan products via handheld devices throughout facilities.
Robot Connectivity – WiFi enables communication with robots like Amazon Robotics units.
Real-Time Monitoring – Managers can track productivity metrics for associates.
So despite its shift towards ecommerce, reliable WiFi remains crucial for Amazon‘s brick-and-mortar logistics. This allows optimized inventory control and order fulfillment.
Does Amazon Fire Stick Have Built-In WiFi?
No. Amazon‘s Fire TV products like the Fire Stick do not have any native WiFi capabilities.
Rather, the Fire Stick is designed to connect exclusively to your existing home or office WiFi network to stream content or play games.
Specifics on the Fire Stick‘s wireless functionality:
Dual-Band Support – Works with 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
WiFi Standards – Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi.
Network Discovery – Scans for available WiFi networks to join during setup.
No Hotspot – Cannot function standalone as a mobile hotspot or access point.
So the bottom line is the Fire Stick itself does not transmit any wireless signal. It must join an existing WiFi network to access the internet.
Key Differences: Amazon Eero vs. Netgear Orbi
How does Amazon‘s Eero compare to mesh systems from other brands like Netgear? I compared the flagship Eero Pro 6 with the Netgear Orbi RBK852:
Specs | Amazon Eero Pro 6 | Netgear Orbi RBK852 |
---|---|---|
WiFi Generation | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
WiFi Bands | Tri-Band | Tri-Band |
Max Speed | 1.5Gbps | 6Gbps |
Coverage | 2,000 sq ft | 5,000 sq ft |
Processor | Quad-core 700MHz | Quad-core 1.5GHz |
Price (1-pack) | $229 | $299 |
Key Takeaways
- Orbi faster with 6Gbps vs 1.5Gbps for Eero.
- Eero has smaller coverage area per node.
- Orbi uses newer WiFi 6E spectrum for minimal congestion.
- But Eero easier to set up and manage.
So while the Eero system is solid for most homes, the Orbi line offers superior performance and range for business use cases.
Comparing the Cost of Amazon‘s WiFi Products
Here is a pricing breakdown of Amazon‘s key networking products and subscriptions:
Product | Regular Price | Prime Price |
---|---|---|
Eero 6 Router | $129 | $103 |
Eero Pro 6 (1-pack) | $229 | $183 |
Eero Pro 6 (3-pack) | $599 | $479 |
Eero Secure (monthly) | $2.99 | $2.99 |
Eero Secure+ (monthly) | $9.99 | $9.99 |
Insights on Pricing:
- Prime members get 20% discount on Eero hardware.
- But subscriptions are the same price.
- A full Eero mesh with security adds up quickly.
- Competing systems offer better value.
While Eero itself is reasonably priced, subscriptions and multiple nodes drive up the total cost of ownership compared to budget-friendly mesh router brands.
Do Amazon Devices Like Kindle and Echo Require WiFi?
As an ecommerce seller, you may be curious about Amazon‘s stance on WiFi when it comes to their Kindle e-readers, Fire tablets, Echo smart speakers, and other devices.
Here is a quick summary:
WiFi Required – All recent models need WiFi access for full functionality.
No Cellular – None offer integrated cellular or mobile data.
Automatic Setup – WiFi network detection and connection during initial configuration.
Alexa Reliance – Echo speakers depend on WiFi to access Alexa.
Ecosystem Lock-In – Promotes use of Fire tablets and Kindle e-readers.
So Amazon devices are heavily reliant on WiFi availability but do not offer connectivity themselves without an existing wireless network available.
Tips for Getting Your Echo Online
If you just purchased an Echo for your home office or warehouse and are having trouble getting it connected to WiFi, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Confirm your WiFi password and SSID are entered correctly in the Alexa app. Double check for typos!
Power cycle your router and Echo device to force a fresh network connection.
Temporarily move the Echo closer to your router for setup if the signal is weak.
Use the Alexa app‘s wireless diagnostics to check your Echo‘s actual connection speed.
Contact Amazon Customer Service if issues persist for help resolving any software or hardware defects impeding connectivity.
Following these guidelines should help get your new Echo unit successfully connected to WiFi for accessing Alexa and all the great smart features.
The Bottom Line
While Amazon does not offer a direct replacement for residential internet service, the company provides an array of WiFi products:
Eero Routers – Flagship mesh system covering up to 5,000 sq ft.
Sidewalk Network – Extends Echo and Ring device range by up to 1/2 mile.
Warehouse WiFi – Critical for Amazon inventory management and process efficiency.
Device Connectivity – Reliant on WiFi access for Kindle, Fire TV, Echo, and more.
So in summary, Amazon is making big moves in the WiFi space, but focuses on networking hardware and optimization versus becoming a nationwide ISP. For sellers using Alexa smart devices or handling logistics, Amazon‘s WiFi solutions warrant consideration. But for general business connectivity needs, commercial-grade solutions may provide superior reliability and security.
Hopefully as a fellow ecommerce seller, you found this overview and analysis useful for understanding Amazon‘s current WiFi capabilities and how they compare to alternatives on the market! Let me know if you have any other questions.