Contributor I

Network matrix assistance

23 replies
2097 views

Hi there,

I'm new to Sonos and have recently installed 4 devices (2 x connects and 2 x Ones). I've had the occasional blip in playback so have run the network matrix which I've attached. My wifi signal is very strong in all areas - I've got hardwired repeaters in my roof directly above all the Sonos devices.

I havent hard wired any of the Sonos devices to the network yet as this would involve taking a cable down from ceiling. What I'm interested in understanding:

- should I start with hard wiring a Sonos device or is it better to go with a Boost?
- if you go with a Boost does that mean that Sonos then only works via the Boost? If so then I'd probably need multiple Boosts.

Any advice appreciate.

thanks.

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Eddie the Eagle

Collaborator II

Hi Craig,

I would start with hard wiring one or more Sonos devices (the more the better). By doing that your Sonos family automatically starts up SonosNet, the dedicated and optimized wireless network for Sonos, so no more interference from traffic on your regular wifi. To answer your second question: this SonosNet is Mesh type meaning that the wired Sonos is the root hub but each other device passes through wireless signal to the others, so not all pointing to the cabled one. Sonos itself chooses the optimal gateways from device to device in your house. From here I would see how your matrix looks like and if a Boost would still add value to support better signal. The Boost has more antenna power but for the rest it does the same as your other wired Sonos devices would do. So if that is sufficient, you save the money for the Boost.

To say that his style is unorthodox would be something of an understatement, but it obviously works for him.

ratty

Network matrix assistance

The network matrix is in fact pretty meaningless in 'Standard Setup' (WiFi mode), since the units are not connecting via SonosNet.

C

craig3456Author

Contributor I

Thanks for the input. Does it make any difference which Sonos device I hardwire to the network - ie is it better to connect a Connect or a Play1 or doesnt it make any difference?

Eddie the Eagle

Collaborator II

No difference, as long as there is a reasonable distance from one to another device so they can gateway SonosNet to all devices.

To say that his style is unorthodox would be something of an understatement, but it obviously works for him.

ratty

Either would do. However, although I said the matrix was 'pretty meaningless' in WiFi mode it does in fact give a clue as to how well the units could talk to one another in SonosNet mode. Right now it looks like there could be problems. Of all of them Family Room would appear to be the best placed for being wired.

C

craig3456Author

Contributor I

Thanks for the responses.

Just for my understanding - in SonosNet mode do all the Sonos devices then ONLY connect to each other via their own network?
Or will they still use the existing wifi as well?

ratty

Well... they should all use their own SonosNet mesh. However, in a situation where some of them can't connect to their peers and they still possess the WiFi credentials those units will try and use the WiFi instead. This is 'Mixed mode'.

Sonos typically don't recommend Mixed mode as it can lead to instability. They usually advise that WiFi credentials be removed after switching to SonosNet mode.

You can tell which devices are using SonosNet and which are on WiFi by looking in About My Sonos System. WM:0 means it has a SonosNet connection.

ratty

Returning to your current arrangement, are the WiFi points in the ceiling actually hardwired access points or are they wireless repeaters? Do they all use the same channel?

C

craig3456Author

Contributor I

Attached is a sketch of the house with sonos devices and wifi points. The express above my bedroom is hard wired, the other one isn't. I'm not sure if they are all on the same channel (how would I check?)

ratty

The Express which is operating as a wireless repeater should not be used for Sonos purposes (other than to connect a controller); repeaters/extenders aren't officially supported for Standard Setup.

The Airport utility would be used to configure the channel. Sonos recommend that multiple WiFi points used to connect in Standard Setup should have the same SSID/key and channel.

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