Tests For New Mesh Router

You can use the Sonos Network Matrix by typing this URL in a web browser:

http://<device ip>:1400/support/review and click on the “Network Matrix” link.

Here is a thread on how to read the matrix:

The network matrix is of limited value if running Sonos in WiFi mode.  I assume you are currently running Sonos in WiFi mode, i.e. with no Sonos device wired?  

Also, mesh systems often have features the make life difficult for Sonos in WiFi mode.  So if you don’t have a wired Sonos device at the moment, I think you are going to need one whether or not you get a mesh system.

So I would try wiring a speaker experimentally to your router before you attempt to install a mesh system.  Wiring a Sonos device shifts Sonos data traffic onto SonosNet, which is itself a mesh.  Give the system a couple of minutes to reconfigure and check in About My System that all devices have WM:0 next to them, not WM:1.

Edit: I notice from a previous thread that you are already using SonosNet or have tried it.  I still think it is worth pursuing this.

Hi @JackInBrooklyn, thanks for raising this with the Sonos Community!

While the network matrix suggested above can be a valuable resource when checking the signal health across your system, it’s more relevant in a SonosNet (wired) setup, than when Sonos is on the WiFi.

What you can do though is submit a diagnostic before and after installing the mesh, and post each confirmation number in a reply to this thread, and we’ll be happy to take a look and give some idea on how the signal health & strength compares :)

Edit: as mentioned by John B, I’d also recommend testing in SonosNet again to see if that avoids issues with cutting out. Also useful to note that when grouping, it’s typically best to start the group from either a wired speaker, or a speaker that is comparatively close to the router, and thus has a stronger signal.

I am currently using Sonos Net, with two speakers wired to the router.

Is it possible that my new mesh router works work better than the Sonos Net? I've always been confused as to why I have deep outs when i have a speaker in just about every room. Would that not allow the Sonos Net to be fairly robust?

Here are diags as things stands now.

593371025

Thanks!

SonosNet is essentially a parallel wireless signal, so is subject to all the same issues as covered in the wifi interference FAQ. Particularly the broadcast channels should not overlap, and some mesh networks don’t allow you to lock down the channel they use. 

If you’re interested in more assistance, it may help those with more mesh network experience if you were to mention which one you have, if it’s locked down to a specific channel, and what channel you’re using for SonosNet.

I’d also suggest restricting, if you can, your mesh channel to 20kHz channel width, rather than 40Khz, which would help protect your SonosNet usage from bleed over. Most of this would be covered in that linked FAQ. Finally, I’d also make sure that there’s at least half a meter between the device creating your SonosNet, and any mesh network device in use. 

   Have you checked that every device is on WM:0?

The mesh system i have now is a TP-Link Deco. The channel selection is automatic.  I've done speed tests over the wifi on my phone and i get download speeds ranging from 4.7 to 13.7 depending on where i am in the house.

The new one i got to try is an Eero 6 (not pro). I've not opened it, and am not sure about channel configuration.

All speakers are WM:0

Sonos channel is set to 1

You mentioned that the problem mainly occurs when several rooms are grouped.

When you do so it is best to start the group from a wired speaker,  or one with a strong signal. Is that your normal practice?

Edit sorry I see that this point has previously been made. 

What sources are you playing?

Yes, I do try to pay attention to the speaker I use as the group master.  Normally, I use the Kitchen or the Office.

I play music library from a NAS hard drive or streaming radio like SiriusXM.

Hi @JackInBrooklyn, thanks for posting that diagnostic :)

Looks like the wired Office (R) speaker is being flooded with data over the Ethernet connection - is it connected directly to the router, or via a network switch?

Given that you also have the Office (L) speaker wired, it may be worth disconnecting the Ethernet cable from the (R) speaker, and testing the system on just a single wired component.

I’m also seeing some wireless noise across the system, particularly on the Bathroom speaker - as Sonos is currently using channel 1, I’d recommend checking that your mesh is set to either 6 or 11, as well as making sure there are no other wireless devices too close to the speakers.

Let us know how you get on :)