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Fix for Bluesound Node 2 and Powernode 2 wireless connection and drop-out problems...

I have found one solution to the problem many have experienced with the Bluesound Node 2 and Powernode 2 losing wi-fi signals in the home.

The solution is one, among many, that one could try if struggling with the Bluesound networking via wi-fi and dropouts or no connection problems I have read about.

I bought a TP-Link AC750 Powerline Gigabit Wi-Fi Kit. I know this is sold as a European and the USA version. This is both a wired and wireless access point to extend the Node 2 and Powernode 2 when your wireless router will not connect to these devices. It is not a new idea, but it is a novel possible solution that does work in many cases, particularly if you have a house, home or building where all your electrical wiring feeds into one breaker panel. The major advantage is that it makes a wired conection from your router out through the existing AC wiring in your home to the room where you have your Bluesound device.
It also could solve a wireless problem as well, since it does offer a dual- band wireless function essentially acting as an extender.

The device is easy to set up. Easy to use and somewhat affordable at under $75 US dollars. There are versions of this device for less.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CVOM140/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1517087039&sr=8-4&p...
BTW I have not had issues with the wireless function of my Node 2 but I had wondered how these powerline devices would work and since I bought one... it works very well.



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2psyop's avatar
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2psyop OP
1,637 posts
 
gdnrbob,
I did notice in my setup that 5ghz was a better connection than 2.5ghz. It seems to go either way for me, but this is good info for all those who are having connection issues with the BS products.
BTW there was some initial reindexing of files (local library) I have on my NAS when I switched from wireless to wired. That took 30 to 60 minutes at first, now everything is working fine.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
2psyop, thanks for the suggestion. I haven’t had any dropout issues with my BS but always wondered if using an Ethernet cable to the BS from this device could improve the sound quality. Any experience with this set up?
gdnrbob
4,458 posts
 
I use ethernet from my PC to my office rig and wireless to my main rig downstairs.
I really can't say if there is a difference, as I never tried the reverse. 
What I can say is that is sounds pretty good despite being a wireless signal. This is using Bluesound Node (1) and an Ayre Codex for both systems.
Bob
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

I recently tried out a TPlink AC house wiring extender.  I found it to be reliable, but the HF SQ was lacking, a bit out of focus.  Also, in my situation there was a low-level motorboat sound 100% of the time.  Not a high-quality solution IME.

A better one is to do optical:

Asus RP-AC68U Media Bridge -> 2X TP-Link MC200CM GB Media Converter -> multi-mode SC fiber up to 1800 ft -> AQVOX SE switch -> Ethernet to your DAC

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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2psyop OP
1,637 posts
 
kalali
I have not noticed a difference in SQ between my wireless or wired Bluesound Node 2 as of yet. I have had many hours listening to the Node 2 in a wireless situation, not nearly that many in a wired. I could potentially see any audio system revealing a noise coming through in the AC wiring, therefore the TP-Link or Netgear or other powerline system could? do that. In my home, I cannot detect any extraneous sound or detraction from my signal.... at least not now. YMMV?

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