Identifying Sonos Network using WiFi scanning tools

  • 31 December 2017
  • 8 replies
  • 3080 views

Userlevel 4
Badge +4
  • Enthusiast I
  • 76 replies
Hello,

I have my 3-unit Sonos system setup in boost mode. I have confirmed this by following the instructions here:
https://sonos.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3453/~/how-to-check-if-sonos-is-in-a-standard-or-boost-setup

With my system in Boost mode I expected to be able to see my Sonos network in the list of WiFi networks identified by WiFi scanning tools. However, I'm unable to see it. I don't necessarily expect it to have an obvious SSID but I've been able to ascribe other SSIDs (at least those with with strong signals in my home) to other sources.

Can others see their Sonos network using WiFi scanning tools?
If I should not be expecting to see it, could someone please explain why?
(I thought SonosNet was just a dedicated WiFi network)

I'm not having any problems with my system. I'm just asking this out of curiosity.

Thanks

FYI, I've tried the following WiFi scanners
https://lizardsystems.com/wi-fi-scanner/
https://www.acrylicwifi.com/en/wlan-software/

This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

8 replies

Does this answer your question?

Userlevel 4
Badge +4
Thanks. What application did you use for that?

I'm definitely not seeing anything called Sonos using the scanners I listed in my earlier post.
Settings / Advanced / Connect to SonosNet / Allow. Android only, IIRC.

Screenshot from WiFiAnalyzer (open source) app on Android tablet. Doubt you'll see anything if inside Apple's walled garden.
Userlevel 4
Badge +4
Thanks. I tried enabling that setting and I can now see the Sonos devices in every WiFi scanner I try on Windows and Android.

What I don't understand is why the Sonos network isn't visible to WiFi scanners when that isn't enabled. Surely the SonosNet is always present otherwise the speakers wouldn't be able to link with each other.
Just because the SSIDs are hidden doesn't mean the Sonos devices don't know what they are. Note that all the SonosNet SSIDs are the same...
Userlevel 4
Badge +4
The WiFi scanners I am using are capable of displaying networks with hidden SSIDs. So there must be some other reason SonosNet does not ordinarily show up.

Can networks hide their BSSIDs?
This might explain it I suppose.
Sonos is doing some very proprietary stuff with SonosNet, which, TBH, I don't know enough about to explain. I do know it works, though!
Userlevel 7
Badge +26
Just because the SSIDs are hidden doesn't mean the Sonos devices don't know what they are. Note that all the SonosNet SSIDs are the same...
The SSIDs are the same for your home, but different from another's. The Sonos SSID is built from the Sonos household ID and unique to each Sonos system.