Amazon is expanding its Sidewalk network, making it possible for Echo smart speakers as well as Ring devices to serve as internet service hubs for low-power devices like pet trackers and smart lights. These devices essentially piggyback off your Echo and Ring products to connect to your home’s internet service.
The Sidewalk network launched in stages last year, slowly rolling out to Ring devices. There weren’t many devices that could tap into it, though. Now a number of products, like Tile item trackers, Level smart locks, Ring outdoor smart lights, and certain sensors (such as Ring’s outdoor motion sensor), are compatible with Sidewalk. And by adding the Sidewalk network to its Echo products, Amazon is hoping to provide more consistent network coverage to these devices in entire communities. The more Echo speakers and Ring cameras in people’s homes with Sidewalk, the bigger the network.
When you use the Sidewalk network, you’re not just providing internet access for your own compatible devices, though, you’re providing internet access to anyone’s Sidewalk-enabled devices that are near your house and are in range of your Ring cameras or Echo speakers, which can reach anywhere from a couple hundred feet to half a mile, depending on the model.
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