Group wifi settings - problems with streaming hi-res music

Thanks @ratty . Diagnostics 1078413567 @Corry P 

The strange thing is that it is doing what it did before, when it skips the last eight seconds of the first track, it then plays the next just from the Playbase, which is no longer wired. So why just from the Playbase? That is what I meant by not being sure anything has changed (apart from me disconnecting the Playbase from the Powerline of course)

It’s a mystery, which only a deeper look in the full diagnostics might reveal.

Hi @DerkleineEnglaender 

The diagnostic you shared above has the Boost, but the later ones don’t - have you removed it again?

The problem is that the two rooms are having trouble synchronising. I suspect the issue may be due to the Devolo device transmitting WiFi on channel 6 - the same as SonosNet, and it's close to the Playbar. Can you please try SonosNet on channel 1? Settings » System » Network » Change SonosNet Channel » 1. Please also see if you can separate the Playbar and the Devolo somewhat. Thanks.

Spent a good hour today with the hotline - seems like I am stuck when it comes to hi-res streaming: 

1 We tried using the Boost connected to the router - but the Boost is too far away from the Playbase and the concrete floors of the house are diminishing the data flow. Only option here would be to have the Boost wired to the router, but on the same floor as my set up, which wont work as we cannot trail a cable through the entire house.

2 We tried just using wifi (i.e. no Boost or wired Playbase), but there the dropouts for the speakers were showing that the wifi isnt strong enough

3 We tested the Playbase wired to the Magic 2 powerline but that too is causing interference/ dropouts, and the Sonos technician was having problems accessing the diagnostics never mind assessing them.

I have since reduced the quality on Quobuz to CD but same issues. Cant see what options remain but to return the Boost and stream MP3 compressed music. Unless someone here knows of a reliable way of extending wifi to such a quality that it delivers the data. The technician confirmed enough bandwidth is there coming into the house, just the pipeline for Sonos is the issue. Would a mesh network be better than Poweline? Unfortunately the wife wont allow me to take up the flooring or drill through the floor to get a cable up to the first floor :-)

Hi @Corry P - just saw your post. You will also see mine after speaking to one of your colleagues. I have tried different channels - and can try again. When you say to try separating the Playbase and Devolo - I guess you mean in terms of distance? That is dfficult as the plug socket is near the TV/Playbase. 

I do have a long Ethernet cable going from my router to my PC that is in a different part of the ground floor. I could try placing the Boost there (may be closer horizontally) to the Playbase. Can you have a Boost connect to the Ethernet from the router, and then wire the PC from the Boost?

Hi @DerkleineEnglaender 

When I wrote that, I didn’t realise you’d been in touch - it certainly explains all the diagnostics I found!

Yes - please separate the Playbase and Devolo physically - by at least a metre. Powerline devices do like to be connected directly to a socket rather than to an extension - can you not relocate it to another socket in the same room?

I would recommend a mesh system over a powerline, yes. Especially for use with Sonos. It would at least give you the option of wiring to a node (not ideal, but if it’s better than alternatives and it works, then great) instead of the router, and without involving your electricity cables. It all comes under the umbrella of “environment”, however, so nothing can be guaranteed. Careful placement of the nodes will have the biggest effect.

You may also find some additional information/help in my Troubleshooting Sonos on WiFi article:

It seems we’re typing at the same time!

Technically yes, but the Boost’s ethernet connection is only 100Mbit so unless your internet speed is less than that, you’re cutting the access speed of the PC. In addition, any bandwidth that the PC uses is bandwidth that your Sonos system can’t use - and it’s likely to use all it can. I would instead recommend the purchase (around £20) of a 5 or 8 port gigabit ethernet switch to be put at the end of the long cable, and plug both the Boost and your PC into that.

Hey @Corry P - just tried moving the Boost so it is now almost immediately under the Playbase a floor above, and tried Channel 1. Seems to be still having issues, diagnostics is 110032160. Will take a look at your article too..