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Access Points via Powerline

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Looking for a 2025 response - I have managed to use an extender to have one room in my kitchen while the rest connect to the router. For a variety of reasons I am considering trying a Powerline Extender (Netgear to be the same as my other devices). I would switch the extender into Access Point mode. I should then have the same single network SSIDs (not new ones from the Extender). I am thinking this should help if the Powerline works. Live in a cement house so can add ethernet easily.

I read many posts from years ago and wondering if anything has change or any views on this in today’s world with the current S2 app etc.

Thanks in advance.

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StinsonddogAnswer

Collaborator I

Update for those who are following. After extensive research on this here was my solution. If this is not solid I will report back.

First I acknowledge @AjTrek1 for his link on mesh for Sonos. To anyone from Sonos watching. Take the reference out of a footnote and really it’s 2026 almost, put a whole page on this.

Second for me I switched my Netgear extender from having the same SSID’s that I set up to using their One Wifi. This has provided a more stable extender and quicker switching. I have one of four rooms on this extender.

The big difference though. Instead of using the Powerline for the extender I put the Arc Ultra on it. In case you aren’t aware, the Ultra doesn’t support the Sonos Zip network. The rest of my products are on it including the one off the extender. I was surprised how easy it was to set up. I got the TP Link AV2000. What I am seeing is there is no more struggling on my Mac to see the system, and no more complaints about the firewall or updating. I think this will solve my particular problem which arises because of my layout where the Ultra would switch from the router to the extender and then the problems would arise. This seems to have solved this.

UPDATE - literally - just did an Ultra update from my Mac. Use to fail if on the extender. When the update started the Ultra and the room on the extender were grouped. With this wired set up it updated the Ultra, finished and regrouped them. no issues.

If it doesn’t I will report back. Thanks to everyone for helping expand my understanding of everything.

Postscript for those that are from Network experts like me. What I learned is the Extender in Extender Mode switches quicker than in Access Point mode, even with the same SSIDs set up in AP mode. Since we have things besides Sonos that wasn’t great. My set up is a router and extender, not a current system advertised as MESH. Mine was sort of the latest before the current mesh systems. I am glad that Sonos is working better with the current mesh systems.

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Stanley_4

Grand Maestro

That is a worst case situation! I can't think of any easy, not ugly solution.

S

StinsonddogAuthorAnswer

Collaborator I

Update for those who are following. After extensive research on this here was my solution. If this is not solid I will report back.

First I acknowledge @AjTrek1 for his link on mesh for Sonos. To anyone from Sonos watching. Take the reference out of a footnote and really it’s 2026 almost, put a whole page on this.

Second for me I switched my Netgear extender from having the same SSID’s that I set up to using their One Wifi. This has provided a more stable extender and quicker switching. I have one of four rooms on this extender.

The big difference though. Instead of using the Powerline for the extender I put the Arc Ultra on it. In case you aren’t aware, the Ultra doesn’t support the Sonos Zip network. The rest of my products are on it including the one off the extender. I was surprised how easy it was to set up. I got the TP Link AV2000. What I am seeing is there is no more struggling on my Mac to see the system, and no more complaints about the firewall or updating. I think this will solve my particular problem which arises because of my layout where the Ultra would switch from the router to the extender and then the problems would arise. This seems to have solved this.

UPDATE - literally - just did an Ultra update from my Mac. Use to fail if on the extender. When the update started the Ultra and the room on the extender were grouped. With this wired set up it updated the Ultra, finished and regrouped them. no issues.

If it doesn’t I will report back. Thanks to everyone for helping expand my understanding of everything.

Postscript for those that are from Network experts like me. What I learned is the Extender in Extender Mode switches quicker than in Access Point mode, even with the same SSIDs set up in AP mode. Since we have things besides Sonos that wasn’t great. My set up is a router and extender, not a current system advertised as MESH. Mine was sort of the latest before the current mesh systems. I am glad that Sonos is working better with the current mesh systems.

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caseyhunt

Trending Lyricist I

Powerline can work well, but it really depends on the quality of your home wiring.
In older or concrete houses, results can be mixed, and sometimes it can also increase power usage slightly if multiple adapters are running all the time.
It’s a good idea to monitor performance and electricity consumption after setting it up to see if it’s actually worth it.

buzz

Grand Maestro

There are approaches using fiber optics. Sub millimeter fibers are available that can disappear under paint, wallpaper, or molding.

Stanley_4

Grand Maestro

Extenders aren't recommended, might work, might not but Sonos isn't likely to help sort them out.

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/sonos-system-requirements

Unsupported network setups and devices

- Networks using wireless range extenders

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StinsonddogAuthor

Collaborator I

This has already been resolved with the powerline extender for the Arc Ultra and using Sonos NET for the balance. The Extender put into ONEWIFI mode rather than an Access Point works better for things like iPhones and had worked well.

Additional note for MacOS - make sure under Privacy >Local Networks is on, and if the system isn’t being found turn it off and on again.

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