Amazon Sidewalk is an innovative new shared wireless network that leverages other nearby devices to extend the connectivity range of compatible products. While the concept shows promise, some have expressed valid concerns over the privacy and security implications of such technology.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Amazon Sidewalk, including an in-depth look at how the mesh network functions, which devices currently support it, and step-by-step instructions for disabling the feature if you wish to opt-out of the service.
What Exactly is Amazon Sidewalk?
Announced in late 2019 and launched in June 2021, Amazon Sidewalk aims to greatly expand the operating range for smart home gadgets by forming a low-bandwidth, shared wireless network using Sidewalk Bridge devices like Echo speakers or Ring cameras installed in homes and businesses across communities.
This approach takes advantage of the collective connectivity of distributed, privately-owned access points to route small packets of data from otherwise out-of-range Sidewalk Enabled devices. As an example, if your home internet goes down, a compatible Ring security camera located far from your house could continue transmitting motion alerts or footage by routing that data through a neighbor’s Echo device connected to their WiFi.
How Mesh Networking Works
The underlying technology allowing Amazon Sidewalk to function is known as mesh networking. Mesh networks are comprised of a web of interconnected nodes that relay signals between each other to dynamically route data along the strongest available pathway.
This inherently resilient architecture provides much more robust coverage and redundancy than traditional wireless setups. If any individual node fails or loses connection, mesh networks dynamically self-heal by discovering alternate paths to maintain service. Such capabilities enable mesh networks to span entire cities and operate reliably even when infrastructure gets damaged.
Benefits of Amazon Sidewalk
While mesh networking is well-established for large-scale deployments, Amazon Sidewalk represents one of the first efforts to harness the technology for consumer and neighborhood settings. The core benefits for users include:
- Greatly extended range for Sidewalk-enabled devices like Ring cameras and Echo speakers, especially helpful for homeowners with larger properties
- Enhanced support and connectivity for IOT gadgets located far from the main house
- Continued functionality even if your home WiFi goes down
- Future integration with innovative services reliant on wider-area coverage such as item tracking tags
Concerns Over Privacy and Bandwidth Usage
While sidewalk holds technological promise, the notion of your home network and bandwidth being shared with others has reasonably raised some eyebrows. Amazon has attempted to address these concerns by:
- Implementing end-to-end encryption on all Sidewalk traffic
- Utilizing three layers of authentication using unique rotating identifiers to prevent tracking of devices or households
- Capping total monthly data transfers at 500MB per account, equivalent to streaming about 10 minutes of high definition video
They also allow Sidewalk participation to be disabled, which we’ll cover how to do later on. However, it’s worth noting that actual bandwidth usage so far has proven quite modest according to Amazon’s metrics. Nonetheless, handing off even snippets of your connectivity to unfamiliar passersby still leaves some people uncomfortable.
What Devices Work With Amazon Sidewalk?
Amazon is continuously working to expand integrations with new products and third-party IOT gadgets. As of late 2022, the following Alexa and Ring devices support Sidewalk functionality out of the box:
- 3rd and 4th generation Amazon Echo speakers
- 3rd and 4th generation Echo Dot speakers
- Echo Show 5, 8, and 10 smart displays
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro (2nd gen)
- Ring Spotlight Cam Wired and battery-powered models (2019 release & newer)
- Care Hub tracking device for pets or elderly relatives
Note that other Ring or Alexa-compatible products such as security cameras or smart lights could also theoretically tap into Amazon Sidewalk coverage if located within range of a Sidewalk gateway, although they do not directly contribute to expanding the mesh network.
How to Opt Out of Amazon Sidewalk
Participation in Amazon Sidewalk is automatically enabled for owners of compatible Echo and Ring devices. However, you can easily disable the functionality via the Alexa app. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:
1. Open Alexa App & Tap More
Launch the latest version of the Alexa app on your mobile device and select the “More” icon in the bottom right corner of the main screen:
2. Select Settings
This will bring you to the More menu. Towards the bottom, choose the Settings option:
3. Tap Account Settings
You will now see the full Settings menu. About halfway down is an entry labeled Account Settings – tap to open it:
4. Choose Amazon Sidewalk
Under the Account Settings screen, scroll until you find the option for Amazon Sidewalk and select it:
5. Disable/Enable Sidewalk Participation
Finally, simply tap the slider next to “Enabled” so that it grays out and switches to read “Disabled” – this will prevent your Echo and Ring devices from contributing to the Sidewalk mesh network.
You can return and toggle the setting back on at any time if you change your mind. Disabling Amazon Sidewalk is account-wide, so the preference will apply across all your compatible Alexa/Ring hardware.
Additional Security Best Practices
Beyond controlling your participation in Amazon Sidewalk, there are other measures you should take to keep your devices and account safe:
- Set a strong password – use a random phrase over 15 characters in length
- Enable two-factor authentication for your Amazon login
- Be suspicious of unsolicited emails or calls asking for account details
- Limit app permissions and vocal features like shopping to trusted household members
- Frequently change WiFi password and inspect connected client list for unfamiliar entries
Staying vigilant to protect your digital life is important regardless of your feelings on Sidewalk. Mesh networks do introduce some risk, but reasonable precautions combined with Amazon’s protections make the threat minimal for most mainstream consumers.
The Future of Mesh Networking
It will likely take at least a few years for mesh networks to evolve into a commonplace solution for boosting smart home device range and performance. However, the underlying concept shows immense promise for enabling future wireless innovations.
Amazon Sidewalk represents an early attempt at funneling the power of crowdsourced connectivity to improve reliability and accessibility for consumers. Advancements like item tracking tags and community alert networks could become reality thanks to the extended practical range offered by mesh technology.
As hardware capabilities and security standards mature over time, shared neighborhood networks seem inevitable. For now, cautious users uncomfortable with the privacy or bandwidth tradeoffs can easily opt-out of Amazon’s offering without missing much functionality.
Regardless of your personal take, the advent of broadly deployed, resilient mesh architectures will open the door for technology to play an even deeper role in our everyday lives down the road.
