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Router extender.

I have a Sonos system throughout my house in addition to my primary hi-fi system (which is also connected to Sonos). Sonos seems to be very sensitive to router signal strength. This only seems to be a problem on the back porch even though distance-wise it is not that far from the router. The reason I do not run an ethernet cable out there and plug it into the Sonos device is that the problem is not with the device. Its the S2 app on my cell phone that will not hold the router signal.


I have purchased router extenders in the past (for other issues), the ones that plug into outlets, and have not been able to tell that they do anything at all. I sent them back.

I'm not super techy when it comes to this stuff and have a few questions.

First, are there router extenders that operate via an ethernet cable? It would be very simple for me to run a cable under the house from my primary cable modem/router combo and place such a device near or on the porch. If there is such a thing, are there any recommendations?

Second, I have another router that is no longer in use since the cable company installed their modem/router combo. Could this router be used as an extender using an ethernet cable? The cable company set the new modem/router up with the same name and password as my own router. When I tried this it did not seem to work. Would I need to reset the password on the older router or would it simply use the same password as the new router (again, they are the same and they have the same name)? Just not sure why this did not work.

Any help or practical advice appreciated. Use small words....again, I'm not super tech savvy.

Thanks.

n80

Showing 3 responses by geof3

geof3
1,129 posts
 
You need to use the Sonos Boost. No way around it. Sonos looks like it will talk to another extender, but actually won’t with any real regularity. Sonos likes it’s architecture and doesn’t play well with others...
geof3
1,129 posts
 
So let me explain what the issue is... the Sonos app looks for the Sonos gear as a sub system of your WiFi. The thing is, while your phone is indeed on the same WiFi, the Sonos system has created its own environment. So, while your WiFi extender is seen by your phone, the Sonos environment will not work with the extender as the extender is not part of the proprietary Sonos environment. The Boost isolates the entire Sonos system as it’s own, singular environment and is much more robust. As mentioned above, a more powerful router would also get it done... but it won’t work with any sort of extender.
geof3
1,129 posts
 
I think you might not understand the Sonos system. It creates its own network. The app is part of that net. I had a similar problem in my business where we have about 5k square ft, my Sonos hub is on one end, and I have two speakers in between. My WiFi signal on my phone would drop on the far end away from my router, thus losing the ability to control the system (system played just fine) just no control. I added a WiFi extender to the mix and thought it would be a home run... not so much. While it did make the WiFi signal on the far end excellent, Sonos would not communicate with it as the Sonos net is proprietary. I called my dealer and they said to add a Boost... solved all the problems.
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