The Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) is a plug-in hub that extends the Amazon Sidewalk network in and around your home, ensuring Ring Smart Lighting devices stay connected to the Ring app even in locations with weak or no Sidewalk coverage. Plug it into any indoor wall outlet and connect via your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Once set up in the Ring app, it acts as a Sidewalk relay — boosting signal reach for Ring Smart Lights and compatible Ring Sensors. Note: the Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) uses completely different technology than the original Ring Bridge (1st Gen). It is a Sidewalk repeater/extender, not a traditional Zigbee bridge. Existing Ring Smart Lighting devices must be re-added through the Ring app as 'Amazon Sidewalk' devices after setting up the new Bridge.
Do I need the Ring Bridge to use Ring Smart Lights?
Not necessarily. Ring Smart Lights now connect via Amazon Sidewalk, which covers approximately 95% of the US population. If your area has sufficient Sidewalk coverage (from nearby Echo devices, Ring doorbells, or other compatible devices), your smart lights will connect automatically without the Bridge. The Bridge is needed if you are in a low-coverage area, your outdoor lights are far from Sidewalk sources, or you want to guarantee reliable connectivity without depending on neighbors' devices.
Is the Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) the same as the 1st Gen Bridge?
No — they are completely different technologies. The original Ring Bridge (1st Gen) was a traditional Zigbee hub that connected Ring Smart Lights directly to your Wi-Fi network. The Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) is a Sidewalk network repeater that extends Amazon Sidewalk reach. Existing Ring Smart Lighting devices paired with a 1st Gen Bridge must be deleted from the Ring app and re-added as Amazon Sidewalk devices to work with the 2nd Gen Bridge.
Can the Ring Bridge connect lights that are outside Wi-Fi range?
Yes — that is its primary purpose. Amazon Sidewalk operates on sub-GHz frequencies that penetrate walls and travel longer distances than Wi-Fi. The Bridge extends the Sidewalk network from inside your home to outdoor areas that are beyond Wi-Fi range. Ring Smart Lights up to several hundred feet away can maintain a reliable connection through the Sidewalk network.
Does the Ring Bridge work with anything other than Ring Smart Lights?
The Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) is a Sidewalk extender that primarily supports Ring Smart Lighting products and other Amazon Sidewalk-compatible devices. It does not function as a hub for Ring Alarm sensors (which use Z-Wave and require a Ring Alarm Base Station) or for Ring cameras and doorbells (which connect directly to Wi-Fi).
# Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) — Smart Lighting Hub and Amazon Sidewalk Extender **Model:** `smart-lighting-bridge` **Brand:** Ring **Category:** Smart Lighting > The Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) is a plug-in hub that extends the Amazon Sidewalk network in and around your home, ensuring Ring Smart Lighting devices stay connected to the Ring app even in locations with weak or no Sidewalk coverage. Plug it into any indoor wall outlet and connect via your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Once set up in the Ring app, it acts as a Sidewalk relay — boosting signal reach for Ring Smart Lights and compatible Ring Sensors. Note: the Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) uses completely different technology than the original Ring Bridge (1st Gen). It is a Sidewalk repeater/extender, not a traditional Zigbee bridge. Existing Ring Smart Lighting devices must be re-added through the Ring app as 'Amazon Sidewalk' devices after setting up the new Bridge. ## Specifications | Attribute | Value | |---|---| | Product Type | Smart Lighting Hub | | Power Source | Plug-in (100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) | | Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz | | Sidewalk Function | Sidewalk Repeater/Extender | | Indoor Use Only | Yes | | Operating Temp F | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) | | Dimensions In | 4.1 x 2.7 x 1.3 | | Available Colors | White | | Bridge Required | No | | Warranty | 1-year limited | ## What's Included - Ring Bridge (2nd Gen) - Quick Start Guide - Warranty/Safety/Legal Insert Source: https://www.jaspecs.com/ring/smart-lighting/smart-lighting-bridge-ring-smart-lighting-hub/