Amazon Sidewalk Expansion: New Enterprise-Grade Bridge

Amazon Expands Sidewalk Network with Professional-Grade Bridge

In 2019, Amazon initially unveiled its Sidewalk network, a novel wireless protocol designed for low-bandwidth, long-distance connectivity of smart devices. This network aims to maintain device functionality even when a primary Wi-Fi connection is unavailable, leveraging the networks of neighboring users.

Since the previous year, Amazon has been utilizing Echo devices as Sidewalk bridges. Furthermore, select Ring and Tile devices are now capable of accessing this network.

Introducing the Sidewalk Bridge Pro by Ring

Amazon is now introducing its first professional-grade Sidewalk device, engineered to provide coverage across expansive areas such as university campuses or public parks. The device, formally named the Amazon Sidewalk Bridge Pro by Ring, is designed for installation either indoors or, preferably, in an elevated outdoor location.

This bridge can support hundreds of devices within a range of up to five miles, contingent upon local conditions.

Pilot Programs and Partnerships

To evaluate the device’s performance, Amazon has collaborated with Arizona State University. The University Technology Office will deploy these new Sidewalk bridges on light poles throughout its Tempe campus.

The university intends to utilize the network as a proof-of-concept, connecting sensors for monitoring sunlight, temperature, CO2 levels, and particulate matter.

Amazon is also partnering with Thingy, an IoT firm specializing in environmental monitoring, to deploy air quality monitoring tools. These tools will provide alerts to first responders regarding potential wildfire risks.

Thingy's Perspective on Sidewalk Bridge Pro

Scott Waller, CEO and co-founder of Thingy, stated: “Amazon Sidewalk Bridge Pro delivers the power of [Long Range] in numerous critical locations, offers seamless integration with our existing applications in AWS, and provides trusted security for both devices and applications. We are enthusiastic about collaborating with Amazon Sidewalk to measure air quality and detect wildfires using our sensors, and to address connectivity challenges for these vital applications.”

Investment in the Sidewalk Ecosystem

Beyond the device itself, Amazon’s continued investment in the Sidewalk ecosystem is a key development. Stefano Landi, director of Amazon Sidewalk, emphasized the company’s commitment to enabling the IoT industry.

“We are constructing a network and empowering stakeholders to advance the IoT sector,” Landi explained. “To facilitate the widespread adoption of smart and connected devices, a robust network is essential. Current options for IoT developers often present challenges, including high connectivity costs, limited range, excessive battery drain, and complex development cycles.”

Expanding Network Coverage

Landi highlighted that, within months of launching the network, Amazon has achieved substantial residential coverage in over 100 major U.S. metropolitan areas.

This rapid expansion is partly attributable to the prevalence of Echo devices in American homes, with most modern Echo smart speakers having Sidewalk enabled by default unless users actively opt out.

While Amazon asserts its network is designed with privacy as a priority and will not consume significant bandwidth—primarily transmitting alerts rather than video feeds—many users remain unaware of Sidewalk’s existence.

Commercial Applications and Demand

Extending coverage to residential areas is one aspect; however, the Sidewalk Bridge Pro enables businesses to connect sensors across extensive land areas.

Landi noted that “more than a few thousand companies” have already contacted Amazon regarding potential commercial applications, primarily in conjunction with AWS IoT, the company’s cloud-based managed IoT service.

A significant portion of this interest stems from organizations seeking to develop public sector solutions, particularly within the realm of smart city services.

Ubiquitous Connectivity with the Sidewalk Bridge Pro

“The Sidewalk Bridge Pro is a professional-grade bridge specifically designed for deployment outside of residential zones,” Landi clarified. “This ensures comprehensive coverage in areas such as commercial centers, parks, state parks, municipal parks, wilderness areas, and commercial districts, providing ubiquitous connectivity for solution development.”

While outdoor installation is anticipated for most users, Landi indicated the bridge can also be utilized indoors to cover warehouses or large retail spaces.

Currently, Amazon has no plans to release a consumer-level “non-pro” version, as the Echo and Ring devices already fulfill that purpose.