Skip to main content

I’m experiencing consistent issues with my Sonos system, where I receive the error message: “Network connection speed insufficient to maintain playback buffer”. This problem occurs specifically when I play FLAC files from my NAS drive.

Steps Taken to Troubleshoot:

  1. Changed Sonos Channel: I’ve changed the Sonos system’s channel to Channel 11, as it is the least congested in my area based on a Wi-Fi analysis.
  2. Checked Network Setup: My Wi-Fi is stable, and my network operates on a 5 GHz band for general devices, with the 2.4 GHz band reserved for Sonos and other compatible devices.
  3. Optimized Network Configuration: I’ve ensured minimal interference by separating the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz SSIDs and placing Sonos speakers closer to the router.

Despite these efforts, the issue persists only when playing FLAC files from my NAS drive. Other streaming services or audio formats seem to function without significant problems.

 

Here are my diagnostics

 

Associated Product: 192.168.1.118

---------------------------------

Connect:Amp: Kitchen

Serial Number: redacted

Sonos OS: S1

Version: 11.15 (build 572259130)

Hardware Version: 1.16.3.1-2.0

Series ID: P100

IP Address: 192.168.1.137

WM: 0

OTP: 1.1.1(1-16-3-0.9)

---------------------------------

Connect: Living Room

 

---------------------------------

Playbar: Master Bedroom Front

Serial Number: redacted

Sonos OS: S1

Version: 11.15 (build 572259130)

Hardware Version: 1.9.1.10-2.0

Series ID: A100

IP Address: 192.168.1.71

Audio In:

WM: 0

OTP:

---------------------------------

Play:5: Master Bedroom Rear (L)

 

---------------------------------

Play:5: Master Bedroom Rear (R)

Serial Number: redacted

Sonos OS: S1

Version: 11.15 (build 572259130)

Hardware Version: 1.16.4.1-2.0

Series ID: P100

IP Address: 192.168.1.173

WM: 0

OTP: 1.1.1(1-16-4-zp5s-0.5)

---------------------------------

Play:5: Office (L)

Serial Number: redacted

Sonos OS: S1

Version: 11.15 (build 572259130)

Hardware Version: 1.17.4.1-2.0

Series ID: B100

IP Address: 192.168.1.118

WM: 0

OTP: 1.1.1(1-17-4-zp5s-2.1)

---------------------------------

Play:5: Office (R)

 

Moderator edit: removed serial numbers

At the time you viewed these settings Living Room, Master Bedroom Rear (L), and Office (R) were struggling with their connectivity. This indicates network issues.

Describe your Network for us.

How close to the router? About 3 feet is a safe minimum to keep them form interfering with each other.

Any other electrical equipment near your Sonos? Even devices with no radio can be a problem. Switching it off for a test or moving it away a bit can tell you if anything is an issue.

Most WiFi analyzers are of limited use as they only show WiFi use, not any of the other services/signals/noise that may be there. Often the best test is to ignore the analyzer and just try each of the available (1, 6,11) channels to see if one works best.

Depending on your streaming sources FLAC can be a fairly high load on your WiFi. Any of your streaming sourced do HD? How does their data transfer compare to your FLAC files?

I doubt it is your NAS or router but what are you using?

Thanks for your responses buzz and Stanley_4.

I have made some changes that appear to have significantly improved the situation. 

  1. I disabled the 2.4 GHz band on my router, as we only use the 5Ghz band. I hoped that this would reduce signal congestion and clear the SonosNet Channel.
  2.  I moved the SONOS amp further from the router. It was in a small-volume enclosure with the QNAP NAS drive, and I notice that in the hot weather (35 degrees C the last week) the SONOS amp was very hot. It is now on a shelf in the open room and much cooler.
  3. I moved the living room Connect into a better position. This is wired up to a Yamaha CX A5000 pre-amp and from there to a pair of Bowers and Wilkins 800D speakers. 

Your thoughts are welcome.

Moderator edit: serial numbers removed

Have you looked at your network matrix? - replace my IP with one of yours, keep the :1400

http://172.16.1.115:1400/support/review

It shows a bit more connectivity info.

I had no idea I could do that, Stanley_4. Cheers! However, how do interpret this? Can you see any issues?

A couple posts that might help.

 

One thing to keep in mind is the display is a snapshot of conditions when it was taken so you can take several as things change.

Thanks, Stanley_4 - much appreciated. 

Terms & ConditionsCookie settings