2. digital
  3. 160393-115924

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
gdnrbob
4,506 posts
 
I use the Orbi system, mostly because Verizon touts it.
It seems to work well, even allowing me to add wireless to a property across the street from me.
B

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
elliott, which device did you buy for that setup?
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.
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.

djones51
4,947 posts
 
You could try a desktop extender instead of the plugin type I never had much luck with the plugin where you needed to set up new wireless networks. The newer mesh type use your existing SSID. 

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender-EX7000/dp/B00R92CLD6?ref_=ast_sto_dp


More to discover