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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 6 responses by n80

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
According to what you're saying I do not understand the Sonos System. 

My situation is like yours was.

But the wi-fi on my phone comes from the router. It says so on the phone. And that is the signal the S2 app is using. I have a hard time understanding why boosting that signal would not solve the issue. It works when that signal is strong, it fails when that signal is weak.

I'm not saying a Boost wouldn't work. My potential issue with the Boost is placement. It seems moving it close enough to the porch would move it too far away from other rooms.

Anyway, the point is probably moot. We want a stronger signal on the porch so we can use laptops and pads for general use (not just Sonos) out there too and I don't think Boost does that. But could be mistaken about that as well.

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
The problem is with my cell phone/ Sonos S2 app. The Sonos speaker out on the porch apparently gets a signal just fine and plays normally once the music is started. You just can't change anything while you're out there because the app won't work.


I'm not sure if the Sonos Boost communicates through the cell phone/S2 app so I'm not sure it would help. I don't think it does.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Thanks guys. Tried setting up the old router as per djones' link but could not get it to work. Part of the problem is not being able to access the cable company modem/router combo's admin/wireless options.

It would have been a nice cheap option if that had worked out.

Will have to look at some of the devices mentioned above.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
@oddiofyl Which model do you have?
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
The TP Link looks interesting and simple.

I'm assuming one unit plugs into a wall socket and then into your router via ethernet cable and then any additional units just plug into the AC.

The only issue I would have is that my house is old and has two sets of AC lines, the original lines plus additional new lines. I know which are which and would just have to make sure all of the TP units are plugged into the modern three prong outlets which are all on separate circuits from the original wiring which is all two prong.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
elliott, which device did you buy for that setup?
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