You’re absolutely right, you don’t necessarily need a Sonos BOOST if you already have a mesh network set up. Mesh networks, like Google WiFi or Eero, are designed to provide reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. They use multiple access points that work together to create a seamless network.
When it comes to Sonos, you have a few different options for setting up your speakers. One option is to wire one of your speakers directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. This creates a dedicated connection for your Sonos system and sets up what Sonos calls SonosNet, which is a secure mesh network created specifically for Sonos devices. This wired connection ensures a stable and reliable connection between all your Sonos speakers.
If your router is conveniently located near one of your Sonos speakers, you can simply connect it via Ethernet and avoid the need for a Sonos BOOST. This is the most straightforward and cost-effective solution.
However, if your router is not conveniently located near your speakers or if you prefer not to run Ethernet cables throughout your home, that’s where the Sonos BOOST comes in. The BOOST is essentially a dedicated Sonos wireless access point. It connects to your router via Ethernet and creates its own SonosNet mesh network, independent of your existing Wi-Fi network.
By using the Sonos BOOST, you can place your speakers anywhere in your home within range of the BOOST’s wireless signal, without worrying about the strength or reliability of your Wi-Fi network. The BOOST acts as a bridge between your router and the Sonos speakers, ensuring a strong and stable connection.
So, in summary, if you have a mesh network already set up and your router is conveniently located near one of your Sonos speakers, you don’t need a Sonos BOOST. Simply wire one of your speakers to your router and set up SonosNet. However, if your router is not conveniently located or if you prefer a wireless solution without running Ethernet cables, the Sonos BOOST can provide a dedicated and reliable connection for your Sonos system.
I personally have a mesh network set up at home, and I chose to wire one of my Sonos speakers directly to the router. This setup has worked flawlessly for me, and I haven’t encountered any issues with connectivity or performance. It’s worth noting that while the BOOST can provide a more robust wireless connection, it comes at an additional cost. So, if you’re happy with the performance of your mesh network and don’t require the extra features of the BOOST, you can save some money by sticking with your current setup.