System unreliable - trying Powerline adapters: app can't detect the devices

Answered

Al Kelsey

• January 26, 2020 16:58

Dropouts and failed Group connection issues prompted a support ticket and trying alternatives to boost wifi signal or connect over ethernet.

My Bluesound system (Node 2i and Pulse Flex over Wifi) has been great when it works but unreliable, with regular dropouts as well as group connection failures. My wifi signal is strong enough for other devices to stream well far from the TPLink modem/router.

Have been working with Bluesound support. They acknowledge they are looking into what could be causing the players to switch to the weaker access point within a network.I saw in forums and other audio sites that range extenders and powerline adapters are popular options that people are having success with.

I tried a Range Extender - this option did not resolve the issue. Players still showed poor signal strength. After about 5 minutes the Group connection failed again.

 

Blue support team recommended powerline adapters. So I ditched the range extender and connected a couple of powerline adapters. I verified that when I connect my PC to the network using the powerline cable all is well - I can stream and browse the internet. 

But when I connect the Flex or the Node2 to the powerline adapter out in my living room where teh amplifier and speakers are, I can't get the BluOS app - iPhone, Android OR PC - to detect the players. They do not show up in the app or in the wifi list. When I disconnect the players from the adapters I can get the apps to detect them over wifi again, but I have the dropout issue.

I read the troubleshooting article https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/200848557-My-PowerLine-connection-isn-t-working-with-my-Bluesound-Player- 

I brought the Flex into my office where the router is.  I am at the step where the Flex is connected directly to the router using an ethernet cable. I did a factory reset (I have done this so many times I am a pro at it ) and still none of these apps can find the player. The  LED on the Flex is blue so it should be discoverable by the app. However, the apps won't find the device when connected via ethernet cable to the powerline adapter.

Any ideas on how to get the app to connect to the Flex so I can add the player?

Once I get the Flex player added while it is directly connected to the router is there anything I should know or do when I relocate to the powerline adapter and try in the room where I want the speaker set up?

Thanks, Al

1

• Official comment

  

  Tony W.

  Product Support Manager

  • January 27, 2020 15:51

  Hi Al

  your range extenders are blocking multicast mDNS traffic or not reporting it properly. I am escalating your issue to our Support Crew. They will be happy to help you troubleshoot.

   
• 

  Gunnar Nelson

  • May 06, 2022 11:44

  did BluSound ever find a solution for this?  I have a problem with the speakers playing out of sync so I am trying using the Netgear Powerline adapters to link the system together.

  This appears to be working as long as I use the laptop controller but the Apple phone app does not find the speakers.

   

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• 

  Tony W.

  Product Support Manager

  • May 06, 2022 12:53

  Hi Gunnar

  It is likely your Netgear Powerline Adapters have IGMP snooping as a setting that is blocking iOS App traffic. Please select Help, Send Support Request in the Windows App so our Support Crew can reach out and make a recommendation. Please include the model numbers of the Netgear Powerline Adapters and also that of your main router too. our Support Crew will reach out via e-mail to assist once you send that.

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