Amazon has launched its low-bandwidth, long-range network, called Sidewalk, for developer testing.
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.
Dave Limp, senior vice president of Amazon Devices
With over 90% of the U.S. population covered, developers can request test kits to validate the breadth of Sidewalk coverage for themselves as they build Sidewalk devices.
According to Dave Limp, senior vice president of Amazon Devices & Services, “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.” Devices connected to Sidewalk come with a secure, persistent, and low-cost connection to the cloud.
The goal of Sidewalk is to provide a new and secure way to invent and connect a range of devices.
Testing and coverage
Developers can request test kits to validate the breadth of Sidewalk coverage for themselves as they build Sidewalk devices. The test kits are designed to regularly ping their location over the network, providing clear signal strength readings on a map within a developer portal. In addition, public coverage maps showcase estimated Sidewalk coverage for any U.S. location, allowing developers to understand if their devices will connect in a desired area before starting product development.
Secure and low-cost connectivity
Sidewalk provides a secure, persistent, and low-cost connection to the cloud. Devices connected to Sidewalk come with this connection, and the goal is to provide a new and secure way to invent and connect a range of devices.
Tools and technology
Developers can now use the tools and technology from Amazon Sidewalk, AWS, and leading silicon companies to rapidly build and onboard devices and supporting cloud-based applications to Sidewalk. Developers within Sidewalk’s coverage area can instantly connect a qualified silicon provider’s developer kit to the cloud without deploying their network infrastructure.
Software Development Kits (SDKs)
Developers can access software development kits (SDKs) distributed by leading silicon companies. These SDKs support Sidewalk technology and enable developers to build their Sidewalk applications while also integrating with existing silicon provider toolkits.
Mobile SDK and tools app
Amazon offers a Mobile SDK and Tools App via GitHub for developers to speed up the integration of Sidewalk technology into their mobile apps. The Mobile SDK for iOS and Android devices is designed to allow developers to quickly integrate Sidewalk technology into their mobile apps.
AWS IoT Core Integration
AWS IoT Core integration with Sidewalk makes it easy for developers to access the AWS services and resources needed to efficiently connect Sidewalk-enabled devices to the cloud. With AWS IoT Core for Amazon Sidewalk, device registration for the development kits is as simple as turning on the device.
Invent and connect
Sidewalk is designed to provide a new and secure way to invent and connect a whole new range of devices, and it is exciting to see what developers will build. Customers will have more choice in the types of devices they can buy with the opening of Sidewalk.
