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Kumar
August 10, 2023

Access points and static IP addresses

Looking for some guidance on a non Sonos issue from gurus here: In a TP link access point that is ethernet wired back to a Apple Time Capsule base station, DHCP is disabled, and everything in the served space works fine, including Sonos/Firestick/Phones/Computer, with Sonos in WiFi mode. TP link model WA 850 RE. Now for another device being added in the space, a HomePod mini, I see some recommendations of giving it a static IP address for stability. Question therefore is how/where is this done? By making changes in the app that is used to set up the access point? Or, back in the apple base station?

Appreciate any guidance.

 

I now recall an earlier discussion here, but that was in the context of Sonos compatibilty which also brings me to a follow up question: My Sonos set up is all wired back to the same base station and is rock solid. What do I need to do to ensure that if any new access point device is added as a wired access point to the same base station to serve non Sonos devices in spaces where there is no Sonos, it does not mess up the Sonos wired kit?

 

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29 replies

Corry P
Corry P
Sonos Staff
August 10, 2023

Hi @Kumar 

Thanks for your post!

Your IP addresses need to be reserved on whichever device is running a DHCP server (hopefully, there’s only one!) - presumably, that’s your Time Capsule. I’m not familiar with the device, but this page on the Apple forum says to do so from the Network tab of the device’s settings, under DHCP reservations.

Regarding the addition of an extra Access Point, you’d just need to ensure that it does not do it’s own DHCP (creating a new subnet) and that it does not block or convert multicast packets going upstream/downstream (so the app can communicate if connecting via this new AP). Ensuring a sensible choice of WiFi channel may also be important - probably best to put it on the same channel as your other APs (when on the same channel, devices (even when on completely different networks) will negotiate time on the frequency - something they will not do if on different channels).

I hope this helps.

You may be the first person to get nested parentheses from me here on the forum 😁 Congrats!

 

 

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
    bockersjv
    bockersjv
    Local Superstar
    August 10, 2023

    If you have a NAS Drive I’d also suggest giving that a static address.

      KumarAuthor
      August 10, 2023

      @Corry P: Yes, I know how to reserve IP address in the Apple TC and I did that ages ago for all Sonos kit, including the WD device used for NAS.

      To make sure I get it - if I reserve the IP addresses for the HomePods in the Apple base station/router via the utility, even if they are getting the WiFi service from the third party access point that is wired back to the base station, they will only and always get the IP addresses reserved for them in the base router, correct?

      The second part is a bit of a challenge - the existing access points have an option of toggling DHCP to off, which is what was necessary for Sonos to stay stable. But I suspect that many such devices don’t have that option, and their spec does not mention this!

      craigski
      Local Superstar
      August 10, 2023

      What make/model AP are you using?

      KumarAuthor
      August 10, 2023

      TP Link WA 850RE/N 300.

      Single band, is working without affecting Sonos.

      Replacement for one room needs to be dual band, with a toggle off for DHCP.

      ratty
      ratty
      August 10, 2023

      The DHCP server in extenders / access points is only meant to be temporary, to enable initial setup using a directly connected device (wired or wireless). If left on “auto” it will simply disable in the presence of another DHCP server. “Off” prevents it starting at all.

      (Note that in some TP-Link devices turning the DHCP server “off” also disables its DHCP client, so it would need to have a static IP to remain accessible.)

      craigski
      Local Superstar
      August 10, 2023

      That model is a WiFi Extender. I’m looking at the manual here:

      https://static.tp-link.com/2020/202004/20200422/1910012794_TL-WA850RE_UG_REV7.0.1.pdf

      What device are you trying to disable DHCP on?

       

      Corry P
      Corry P
      Sonos Staff
      August 10, 2023

      Hi @Kumar 

      @Corry P: Yes, I know how to reserve IP address in the Apple TC and I did that ages ago for all Sonos kit, including the WD device used for NAS.

      I did think it strange you were asking.

      To make sure I get it - if I reserve the IP addresses for the HomePods in the Apple base station/router via the utility, even if they are getting the WiFi service from the third party access point that is wired back to the base station, they will only and always get the IP addresses reserved for them in the base router, correct?

      Yes - assuming there is only one DHCP server.

      The second part is a bit of a challenge - the existing access points have an option of toggling DHCP to off, which is what was necessary for Sonos to stay stable. But I suspect that many such devices don’t have that option, and their spec does not mention this!

      I defer to @ratty:

      The DHCP server in extenders / access points is only meant to be temporary, to enable initial setup using a directly connected device (wired or wireless). If left on “auto” it will simply disable in the presence of another DHCP server. “Off” prevents it starting at all.

      (Note that in some TP-Link devices turning the DHCP server “off” also disables its DHCP client, so it would need to have a static IP to remain accessible.)

      But my main concern for you is now what’s in @craigski’s post:

      That model is a WiFi Extender. I’m looking at the manual here:

      https://static.tp-link.com/2020/202004/20200422/1910012794_TL-WA850RE_UG_REV7.0.1.pdf

      As I’m sure you know, extenders are not supported. Though, if you already have the same model in use on your network elsewhere and without problems, I guess that’s OK.

      I hope this helps.

      "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
      ratty
      ratty
      August 10, 2023

      Many extenders can also be switched to wired-AP mode. Every TP-Link with an Ethernet port that I’ve encountered (and I have a cupboard full) can function as an AP.

        KumarAuthor
        August 10, 2023

        Many extenders can also be switched to wired-AP mode. 

        Correct as can this model of the TP. And it has a toggle DHCP off mode which was necessary for Sonos to not act up.

        It serves me fine even now; but in my “all Apple” son’s room, I have to set up HomePod minis and get them to work as a stereo pair, without disturbing my Sonos set ups outside! And he needs dual band, the existing TP is single. So I have to look for that, with a similar way to turn off DHCP.

        I think I may need to set up the device a wireless extender if it does not have this DHCP off toggle? Even though I have lan wire up to inside the room.

        I can tell you that getting Sonos to work was simpler...

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