This Mesh Networking information is provided only to (possibly) explain why Sonos products may not be showing in the app and/or they continually appear, dis-appear, and re-appear in a continuous cycle. If you want to discuss missing features in the app please look to other posts with your comments/questions as there are many already dedicated to that subject. Let’s begin...
A Mesh system/network operates as a cohesive unit. The components are called Nodes. For this post we’ll designate them as follows:
- Main Router
- Satellites (there may be 1, 2, or 3)
All components help extend the WIFI signal across the environment.
The Main Router is the only component that should have DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) capability. DHCP is the process of assigning IP Address to products on a network.
The Satellites on a Mesh (even if they themselves can act as a router) should not have DHCP capability. They should receive their IP Address from the Main Router.
FYI…The Main Router communicates with the Satellites in one of two ways:
- Wireless Backhaul_Using an available 5GHz or 6GHz channel
- Wired Backhaul_All Nodes are connected via Ethernet cable
When properly configured a Mesh network can work seamlessly across the environment with all devices including Sonos.
During this time with the new app (or any time for that matter); if instructed to reboot your router (Mesh Network) that entails only unplugging the Main Router. If the Satellites are unplugged as well in most cases the Mesh will be broken. If that occurs the Satellites may revert to independent units and regain DHCP capability.
When Satellites have DHCP capability they will assign IP Addresses to devices that latch on to their signal. Simple WIFI devices such as cell phones and tablets typically will not be drastically affected and function as normal.
Sonos on the other hand (when a Mesh is broken) will not function properly as speakers may attach themselves to Satellites that aren’t visible on your device. Your device may be connected to another Satellite ( or Main router) thus resulting in Sonos products not being seen in the App. Thus Sonos devices continually appearing, dis-appearing, and re-appearing in a continuous cycle as you move about and your device attaches to different (closest) nodes.
If you setup your own Mesh Network you may be able to correct the break yourself. If the Mesh was setup by your ISP you may have to contact them to repair the break.
I hope this information helps in some manner during this time of inconsistency with the App.
