Sonos - Home WiFi or Sonos network?

[Big Worm 1]

Hi

I've got a number of Sonos speaker dotted around the house, that are all connected to my home WiFi. I've just read that if i connect one of those speakers to the router via an ethernet cable, it will create it's own dedicated Sonos network.

Is this something people tend to do? Is it worth doing? What are the pro's and con's? Any issues with it?

Thanks

[OutInTheShed]

Not Sonos, but I have in the past played around with some WiFi DACs, there was some merit in having them on a separate WiFi channel when the WiFi in the house wasn't great. If your home WiFi is heavily loaded causing issues with the Sonos, then maybe it's a good idea. If you're not aware of any issues, why worry?

But maybe it makes the point that when renovating a house, the usefulness of data cables may rear its head in future, again?

[rottenegg]

Sonos speakers do that anyway if you have 2 of them paired in stereo. The first (or Left), speaker connects to your wi-fi, and the second (Right) connects to the first speaker via the 'sonos network'.

I'm not sure how they operate if you several speakers as standalone units though!

Just make sure your wifi coverage is strong if using multiple Sonos speakers, especially when pairing them as stereo. Weak wifi as well as 'Smart' 5GHz and 2.4GHz switching, plus the 'Sonos network' on top can wreak havoc with Sonos kit. Don't ask how I know!

Edited by rottenegg on Friday 7th October 15:27

[Mazinbrum]

Big Worm 1 said:

Hi

I've got a number of Sonos speaker dotted around the house, that are all connected to my home WiFi. I've just read that if i connect one of those speakers to the router via an ethernet cable, it will create it's own dedicated Sonos network.

Is this something people tend to do? Is it worth doing? What are the pro's and con's? Any issues with it?

Thanks

Years ago Sonos required a ‘Sonos Bridge’ that plugged into your router to create its own network. After an update the bridge was no longer required as Sonos used your wifi, as far as I know unless you have problems with your wifi network there’s no advantage in setting up a Sonos mesh.

[bigandclever]

Gawd knows if this is still valid, but sonosnet used to give predictably and control: you know the band is 2.4Ghz; you set the channel (of 3); you make sure any other devices don’t use that band and channel and get rock-solid sonos connectivity.

I’ve used sonosnet for well over a decade without issue.

[normalbloke]

Had multiple (10+) Sonos speakers in and around the house for several years. Have always had the nearest Play 5 plugged directly into the router to allow the system to use its own mesh network and not the WiFi. It has been rock solid. Always. Cannot comment on using the system on WiFi alone,

[M1AGM]

Depends entirely on your physical home setup for wifi and how your sonos devices are distributed. I have some sonos devices too far away from others for them to use the sonos mesh so I use my home wifi which has much better coverage, and have not had any issues.