What Is Amazon Sidewalk In 2023? The Complete Expert Guide
As an experienced Amazon seller familiar with managing large FBA operations and analyzing data, I get asked often about Amazon Sidewalk – what is it, how does it work, and how could it impact the future of e-commerce?
Amazon Sidewalk is an innovative wireless mesh network that allows different devices to connect to each other and Amazon services, even when they are out of range of your main home wifi network.
Enabled by a crowd-sourced mesh network of Sidewalk-compatible devices like Echo and Ring acting as bridges, Sidewalk has the potential to transform connectivity for shoppers, businesses, and smart home technology.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything sellers need to know about Amazon Sidewalk in 2023 – the technology behind it, current capabilities, usage examples, privacy protections, and what the future may hold for this network.
How Does Amazon Sidewalk Work? A Technical Overview
While simple on the surface, there is sophisticated technology under the hood powering Amazon Sidewalk. Here‘s an overview of how it works:
Sidewalk Bridges – Certain Echo and Ring devices that are Sidewalk-enabled act as bridges. For example, a 2nd Gen Echo Show. These bridges create and extend the Sidewalk network.
Sidewalk-Enabled Devices – These devices like Tile trackers or pet trackers can connect to the Sidewalk network to function even when outside of home wifi range.
Low-Bandwidth Connections – Connections between bridges and devices use low-bandwidth 900MHz radio spectrum, rather than crowded 2.4GHz or 5GHz wifi channels. Maximum bandwidth is capped at 80Kbps per bridge.
Mesh Network – Multiple bridges connect to each other to form a crowd-sourced, decentralized mesh network. More bridges expand coverage.
Encryption – All communications over Sidewalk are encrypted for security and packages are anonymized. Unique rotating identifiers are used.
With this underlying technology, even if a device loses its wifi connection, it can connect to a Sidewalk bridge up to half a mile away to continue functioning. The more Sidewalk bridges in an area, the stronger the mesh network becomes.
Current Amazon Sidewalk Adoption and Growth
While launched in 2021, Amazon Sidewalk is still in the early stages when it comes to usage and network coverage. Here are some adoption stats:
- Over 10 million Sidewalk-compatible Echo devices sold globally
- 3 million Ring devices sold that support Sidewalk
- Sidewalk currently only available in the US
- Expected to expand to international markets in 2023-2024 timeframe
Forecasts suggest that by 2025, over 40 million Amazon devices globally could support Sidewalk connectivity. And that doesn‘t include 3rd-party devices integrated in the future.
What Devices Are Compatible With Amazon Sidewalk?
In addition to certain Echo and Ring products, here are some of the other devices that work with Sidewalk:
- Tile trackers (Tile Mate, Tile Pro, Tile Slim)
- Level smart locks
- Pet trackers and locators
- Amazon Astro robot
- Motion sensors
- Smart lights
And Amazon seems focused on expanding the Sidewalk device ecosystem. For example, the company recently integrated Tile trackers and Level locks into Sidewalk.
More smart home devices will likely tap into the network going forward. Each additional device strengthens the mesh network.
Why Amazon Sidewalk is a Game-Changer
Here are some of the key benefits this new technology offers for both consumers and businesses leveraging Sidewalk:
- Extends range beyond home wifi – Devices stay connected even when out of range of home wifi network or if there are dead zones.
- powers new location-based features – Ability to locate lost devices/pets, arrival notifications.
- Strengthens smart home connectivity – More reliable connections, performance for IoT devices.
- Tap into community network – More Sidewalk bridges means wider, stronger mesh network.
- Enhances in-store connectivity – Retailers can deploy Sidewalk bridges to connect shopper devices/tags.
As an Amazon seller, I‘m particularly excited about how Sidewalk could improve connectivity within large warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores when deployed properly.
Some examples of how Sidewalk could benefit FBA sellers or e-commerce businesses:
Use Case | Sidewalk Advantage |
---|---|
Warehouse Operations | Connect scanners/mobile devices across large facilities |
Inventory Tracking | Extend range of cameras/sensors monitoring inventory |
Shipment Tracking | Attach Sidewalk-enabled tags to shipments to monitor status |
In-Store Experiences | Use Sidewalk bridges to connect shopper smartphones/devices |
Ad-Targeting | Serve ads to customer devices based on Sidewalk location info |
Is Amazon Sidewalk Secure and Private?
I understand concerns about a network like Sidewalk potentially compromising user data or bandwidth. However, Amazon has implemented various measures to keep the service private and secure:
- Bandwidth limits – Maximum of 80Kbps per bridge to limit usage. Total monthly data capped at 500MB.
- Encryption – All communications encrypted end-to-end. Anonymized ID‘s used.
- Data separation – Personal info not shared. Only operational data transmitted.
- User controls – Users can disable Sidewalk or set maximum bandwidth at any time.
Researchers who have analyzed Sidewalk‘s security protocols have not identified any major vulnerabilities to date. Amazon seems to have prioritized privacy protections in Sidewalk‘s design.
The Future Possibilities of Amazon Sidewalk
What excites me most about Amazon Sidewalk is that we are really just scratching the surface of what this technology enables. Here are just a few possibilities:
- Unlocking front doors as owners approach home
- Locating lost wallets, purses or other valuables
- Alexa automatically adjusting home environment based on owner location
- Effortless connection of lights, appliances, devices within homes
- Personalized promotions at stores based on customer location
- City-wide networks powering smart cities and transportation
If adoption continues to grow, I expect Sidewalk‘s functionality will rapidly expand. Amazon is already discussing Sidewalk partnerships with device makers, publishers, insurance companies and internet providers.
The company even foresees Sidewalk-enabled sidewalks, parks, and plazas someday. With ubiquitous coverage, possibilities for immersive shopping experiences open up.
However, as an ambitious shared network, Sidewalk could face challenges if not managed properly. For example, some risks as the network scales:
- Potential outages from reliance on crowd-sourced bridges
- Congestion as more devices connect
- Interference with other networks if bandwidth not managed
Nonetheless, I believe Amazon has the technical capabilities to address these concerns. The long-term outlook remains very promising.
Conclusion
In summary, Amazon Sidewalk delivers an innovative way to connect smart devices by tapping into a decentralized, crowd-sourced mesh network. While the technology is still new, its possibilities for consumers and businesses are intriguing.
As an Amazon seller, I‘m excited about how Sidewalk could enhance warehouse and inventory management. For shoppers, it unlocks new location-based features not possible with wifi alone.
If Amazon can assuage privacy concerns while expanding the Sidewalk partner ecosystem, this "shared network" approach could very well redefine connectivity in homes, stores and communities moving forward.