Recommended settings for using Sonos with Ethernet networks
Sonos recommends a wireless setup for most homes and small businesses. However, there are some situations where connecting Sonos products to your network via Ethernet may be preferred:
- A home with a larger footprint or a medium to large sized business, especially if there are areas where WiFi is unreliable or unavailable.
- A crowded area with high amounts of wireless interference that disrupts smooth operation of WiFi.
- A frequent need to stream to six or more rooms of audio simultaneously, especially when streaming high bitrate audio.
In the above situations, connecting Sonos products via Ethernet may provide a more reliable experience. When hardwiring Sonos products, there are some considerations:
- Hardwiring any Sonos product with a built-in Ethernet port will switch the entire Sonos system into a wired setup, in which Sonos creates a dedicated wireless network separate from your home WiFi. In a wired setup, Sonos products without a built-in Ethernet port will continue using home WiFi.
- When choosing this setup, hardwire as many Sonos products to your home network as possible to reduce wireless traffic.
- Sonos products should be hardwired back to a router or switch only. Do not use open Ethernet connections on WiFi access points or extenders unless those devices are also connected back to the network via Ethernet. Do not use Ethernet-over-Power (EoP) devices.
- You will need to configure your router’s WiFi and the Sonos wireless network to use separate channels to prevent interference.
- Disable automatic channel selection in your router, and choose either channel 1, 6, or 11.
- Choose a different channel than your router for Sonos in the Sonos app.
- For any rooms with a home theater setup, it is recommended to hardwire the home theater primary before hardwiring any surround satellites.
- Note that using two Sonos Amps in a home theater setup has an additional consideration outlined in our surround sound guidelines article.