What should my Wireless Signal Strength be for best performance?

Updated

View Wireless Signal Strength

To check the signal strength received by the Wireless BluOS Player, perform the following steps: 

Android/iOS - View Signal Strength

  1. Launch the BluOS Controller app, navigate to the Players tab 001_Playerstab_button.png, and select the required Bluesound Player.
  2. Tap the Home tab 006_Hometab_button.png > Settings button 007_Settings_button.png.
  3. Under the Help & Support section, tap Diagnostics.

Windows/macOS - View Signal Strength

  1. In the BluOS Controller App, select the Player Drawer.
  2. Select the required Player.
  3. Under the left Navigation Drawer, select Help >Diagnostics.

A graphical icon will show your current signal strength range.  The signal strength will be listed as a negative number in dBM (decibel milliwatts) in the report below the icon.  As the number approaches 0, the signal strength increases.

Note: Wired players (including players connected directly to a wireless media bridge or power line Ethernet kit) do not show the graphic of signal strength. 

043_Wireless Signal Strength Indicator.png

Players experiencing weak signal strength (less than -70 dBm) or insufficient signal strength will encounter inconsistent audio, resulting in disconnections, constant audio buffering, and potentially frequent disappearances from the BluOS Controller App or disruptions in grouped playback.

Players with Weak (<-70 dBm) or insufficient signal strength will experience inconsistent audio caused by disconnects and constant audio buffering. It may even regularly disappear from the BluOS Controller app or disconnect from grouped playback.

Here is a guideline for reviewing the signal strength necessary to achieve optimal performance with specific formats.

Wireless Signal Strength Requirements

  • For Player Firmware upgrades: -70dBm
  • For streaming 16-bit / 44.1 kHz content: -70dBm
  • For streaming 24-bit / 96 kHz content: -55dBm
  • For streaming 24-bit / 192 kHz content: -45dBm

Poor wireless signal strength can also affect the source of your local music. Whenever feasible, we recommend connecting it directly to your router through a wired Ethernet connection to ensure the best performance.

To improve the Wireless Signal Strength, refer to our Help Center article.

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