Amazon.com has developed its own IoT wireless network protocol, called Sidewalk. The low-bandwidth system uses free spectrum in the 900 MHz band for controlling edge IoT devices. The company has been testing the system in Los Angeles using its Ring smart home products and plans a first product launch next year.
Amazon expects consumers will be able to connect more devices thanks to the longer range of Sidewalk over Wi-Fi and the reduced complexity and cost compared to cellular connectivity. Amazon plans to publish the protocol and open it up to third-party developers.
Amazon started testing the protocol at the Ring headquarters and sent out 700 devices to employees, friends, and family to create an initial network. Within three weeks, it had the LA Basin - the second largest city in the country - completely covered with the signal.
The first product using Sidewalk is expected to be a dog tracker called Ring Fetch. The device will ping users if the dog leaves a certain perimeter. Ring Fetch will be coming next year.
