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As I understand it, Sonos equipment using wireless mode 0 (WM0) uses a proprietary Sonos mesh wireless network referred to as SonosNet.  (When first introduced, Sonos touted this as preferable to using your home’s usual wifi because at the time, good home wifi was less common than it is now.)

I understand that equipment using wireless mode 1 (WM1) uses your existing, home wifi .  (I’ve seen it suggested that this is okay because home wifi is better these days, and preferable because no Sonos device *needs* to be network wired to your router. to gain Internet access for your Sonos system.)

There may be reasons for an owner to want WM0 or WM1.  So here’s my question.  Is it possible to force a Sonos System into WM0 or WM1.  Supplementary question.  If it is, does it have to be done at initial setup, or can the change be made later?

 

(I realise that in the face of the disgracefully bad Sonos apps that appeared this year, the idea that it might be possible to make a WM0 or WM1 choice is highly optimistic.  It would be good just to be able to play music in single or multiple zones, from my library or from Tidal, without disappointment.  I’m as frustrated and angered as much as anybody else, and am considering abandoning Sonos for a system that works.  However, replacing nine zones is a financially non-trivial decision, especially as Sonos used values appear to have taken a dive.  So, I’m thinking that I have to perform the time-consuming task of factory resetting my nine zones and rebuilding my system, before abandoning Sonos as a destroyed product range.)

Wiring one or more players that support SonosNet automatically transrers them to SonosNet. There is  a user option to turn OFF the player’s radio. Use this option carefully because you do not want to turn OFF a radio that is supporting wireless surround speakers or subwoofer, for example.

Just to add one thing to what @buzz said… Wiring at least one SonosNet compatible device (not a sub or surround speaker) will enable SonosNet, BUT just those speakers are able to use it that also are compatible to SonosNet. Era speakers and mobile speakers can NOT use SonosNet at all, even there is one on your system. In that case your system will use both wireless modes mixed. WM0 and for the listed speakers WM1 (or WM3 for Eras as surround speaker). 

Thanks, Buzz.

I’m presently leaving all of the Sonos players’ radios turned on.

So, wiring a compatible player automatically transfers it to SonosNet.  Does unwiring it return it to ordinary wifi?  In other words, is this a dynamic, process, or is it something that happens only at addition of a player to a system and remains fixed thereafter (assuming the radio isn’t turned off)?

 

Thanks, Ralf.

I think that most of my players are SonosNet compatible (Connects, Play:3, Sonos One).  I’m unsure about my Port.🤔

I didn’t know that a system can use a mix of WM0 and WM1.  Interesting.

 

Peter

Thanks, Buzz.

I’m presently leaving all of the Sonos players’ radios turned on.

So, wiring a compatible player automatically transfers it to SonosNet.  Does unwiring it return it to ordinary wifi?  In other words, is this a dynamic, process, or is it something that happens only at addition of a player to a system and remains fixed thereafter (assuming the radio isn’t turned off)?

 

It’s dynamic.  It has to be.  A system without a wired Sonos component cannot use SonosNet, because the wired connection is needed to allow data to pass between the two wireless protocols. Added note: your controllers need to be able to send and receive data, and no controller can connect to SonosNet.

Thanks, Ralf.

I think that most of my players are SonosNet compatible (Connects, Play:3, Sonos One).  I’m unsure about my Port.🤔

I didn’t know that a system can use a mix of WM0 and WM1.  Interesting.

Connect, Play:3, One and Port are all SonosNet compatible.

A “mixed” system is possible, but doesn’t arise often and is not something you should seek to create.  Components will usually favour SonosNet.  A component that initially fails to switch over to SonosNet can usually be persuaded to do so by rebooting it.

.

Thanks John B.  That’s all helpful.  It’s clarified some of the assumptions I’d been making and will help me avoid problems.

Peter

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