Amazon Releases IoT Network for Developer Testing

Amazon’s low-bandwidth, long-range network, Amazon Sidewalk, is now open for developer testing.

The network is envisioned as a widescale IoT connectivity solution, designed to “connect the next billion devices,” with 90% of the U.S. population potentially able to access Sidewalk.

“We’ve rapidly built out a long-range, low-bandwidth network that now covers more than 90% of the U.S. population, and this is an open invitation for developers to put it to the test,” said Dave Limp, Amazon devices & services senior vice president. “Many types of connected devices have been limited by the range of Wi-Fi and the cost of cellular technology, which has hindered the ability to connect devices like environmental sensors, leak detectors, and smart locks. Sidewalk is designed to provide a secure, low-cost way to invent and connect a whole new range of devices, and we can’t wait to see what developers build.”

Sidewalk was first announced in 2019, connecting IoT devices to Amazon’s Echo and Ring products to extend network connection beyond Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signal. Previously, few developers could join the network, and it is this gap Amazon’s recent announcement seeks to close. With the recent updates, companies can now build Sidewalk capabilities into their device designs and services.

Sidewalk’s new features include Software Development Kits (SDKs), distributed by Nordic Semiconductor, Silicon Labs, Texas Instruments and Quectel. Each company also brings Hardware Development Kits (HDKs) to the network. 

AWS IoT Core is also integrated with Sidewalk to make it more accessible to developers and help them efficiently connect Sidewalk-enabled devices to the cloud.

“The integration of AWS IoT Core and Amazon Sidewalk marks a significant milestone for developers, manufacturers, and customers, streamlining the design, connection, and deployment of Amazon Sidewalk-based IoT solutions,” said Yasser Alsaied, AWS vice president of IoT. “Now, with AWS IoT Core for Amazon Sidewalk, developers can access more than 200 AWS services to build scalable solutions on top of a highly reliable, secure, and free-to-connect wireless network.”