Amazon Sidewalk
LPWAN & Long Range · 6 specs
Direct Answer
Amazon Sidewalk is a low-bandwidth, community-shared wireless network protocol developed by Amazon. By pooling a tiny fraction of internet bandwidth from compatible residential 'Sidewalk Bridges' (Echo speakers and Ring doorbells), it uses 900 MHz LoRa/FSK and 2.4 GHz BLE to connect outdoor smart lights, pet trackers, and package sensors beyond home Wi-Fi reach.
Source: Amazon Sidewalk Whitepaper / Semtech / Silicon Labs · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Network Protocol | Amazon Sidewalk Architecture |
| Physical Layer Radios | 900 MHz LoRa (Chirp Spread Spectrum), 900 MHz FSK, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
| Bridge Bandwidth Pool Limit | 80 kbps per bridge / 500 MB total monthly cap |
| Network Topology | Shared Community Star-of-Stars Mesh |
| Typical Range per Bridge | Up to 500m (BLE) / up to 1.5–5 km (900 MHz LoRa) |
| Security Encryption | 3-layer end-to-end encryption (Application, Network, and Device keys) |
Shared Community Mesh Concept
Amazon Sidewalk creates a neighborhood-wide mesh network without requiring cellular SIM cards or dedicated LPWAN subscriptions. Millions of Amazon Echo and Ring devices automatically act as 'Sidewalk Bridges'. Compatible endpoint devices (smart water shutoff valves, Tile pet trackers, outdoor motion sensors) automatically connect to any nearby bridge—even a neighbor's device across the street—transmitting encrypted sensor data over the shared backhaul.
Tri-Radio Physical Architecture and Security
Sidewalk dynamically routes traffic across three distinct physical layers: BLE for short-range device commissioning, 900 MHz FSK for medium-range high-speed telemetry, and 900 MHz LoRa for multi-kilometer long-range transmission. The data payload is encapsulated in three layers of encryption, ensuring bridge owners cannot inspect the payload of passing neighbor packets, and Amazon cannot access the application data.