Do you own a modern WiFi speaker from Sonos or even a complete 5.1 home cinema system from this manufacturer? Then you should know for sure that the integration into the home WLAN network is child's play.
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But what to do if, despite a successful setup, there are annoying jerks or dropouts when streaming music wirelessly, or if the WiFi signal is not strong enough to reach several rooms in the apartment?
Sonos offers a practical solution to these annoying everyday problems with the Sonos BOOST WLAN bridge in its range, for which the company charges a rather steep purchase price of around 100 euros. Our following test report will tell you whether the purchase of the WiFi repeater is still worthwhile.
First impression and scope of delivery of the Sonos BOOST WLAN bridge
Like all audio products from Sonos, the Sonos BOOST WLAN bridge also has a very attractive design: The small box with the rounded corners comes in plain white, while the integrated Sonos logo is on a black background. With its dimensions of just 11,5 x 11,5 x 3,2 cm, the BOOST WLAN bridge is so compact that it is basically hardly noticeable in the apartment - and the weight of only 200 g is fortunately a real one plus point.
Given that you have to place the Sonos BOOST Bridge close to your router (which is often under a Table, a bench or some other hidden place) it's almost a shame that this noble piece doesn't get more attention from its owner. The scope of delivery is - typically Sonos - quite manageable: In addition to the BOOST itself, there is also a connection cable, an Ethernet cable and detailed instructions.
Handling the Sonos BOOST WiFi Bridge
Setting up the Sonos BOOST WLAN bridge is very easy: the white box is simply connected to the existing WLAN router using the Ethernet cable provided. As a result, a new, separate network is created to which the existing Sonos speakers can be connected from now on. The biggest advantage: Numerous other devices, such as Smartphones, tablet PCs, or smart TVs can still be connected via the classic WLAN, while the Sonos speakers now access the new network. As a result, there can no longer be overloads due to too many devices being connected at the same time Router are connected - conversely, there are hardly any unsightly dropouts or jerks when streaming music.
Features of the Sonos BOOST WLAN Bridge
The Sonos BOOST WiFi Bridge is equipped with three integrated antennas that ensure that interference from other devices is effectively neutralized.
The antennas in question also emit powerful 360-degree signals that penetrate even thicker walls and ceilings: This means that you can, for example, easily connect the Sonos loudspeakers installed on the upper floor to the BOOST WLAN bridge in the basement, in order to be able to enjoy the whole apartment to enjoy beautiful and, above all, smooth music.
Performance of the Sonos BOOST WiFi Bridge
In practice, the Sonos BOOST WLAN bridge can convince with optimal results immediately after it is connected: Anyone who previously had to struggle with music failures or unsightly jerks can now look forward to much more enjoyable, because flawless, music enjoyment. The BOOST also demonstrates its extensive performance in an impressive way, as you actually benefit from optimal reception throughout the house - so you can easily play the same music in several rooms of the apartment at the same time or enjoy your favorite songs on the top floor without an additional router.
The purchase of the Sonos BOOST WLAN bridge is of course particularly recommended if you not only own one Sonos speaker, but several copies (or a complete 5.1 home cinema system), all of which are to be controlled by the same router.
Practical: If you live in a particularly large house (we're already talking about a villa here), you can add more Sonos BOOST units if you wish - this further optimizes the reception inside the house.
Furthermore, the integrated Ethernet switch also offers the option of quickly and easily establishing an Internet connection for a wide variety of other devices in the house.
- With the Sonos Boost, music can be played throughout the house without...
- For music enjoyment that is twice as reliable: The WLAN access point is...
- More range for the multi-room speakers: The...
Conclusion
Basically, the Sonos BOOST WLAN bridge is nothing more than a small, inconspicuous box. however, this convinces with a remarkable amplification of the existing WLAN signal.
Whether to avoid annoying dropouts while enjoying music or to optimize the signal for higher rooms in the apartment: the WLAN bridge is definitely an excellent choice. As you are used to from the US manufacturer Sonos, the design and the quality of workmanship are also impressive across the board, and the actual setup also proves to be child's play even for inexperienced users. Unfortunately, the purchase price of around 100 euros is a bit high for an amplifier - otherwise there is nothing to complain about.
