So I've been installing HEOS for a while and leanred on the first install that an ISP (Rogers in this case) provided router is noooooo good. For a long time I've been specifying routers and access points for my systems but just that once tried to get away with the Roger's router on a couple Heos 3 speakers. I was quickly slapped back into line.

On my own system I use a Ubiquiti Edge Router Lite and an AP-AC-Pro (450mbps 2.4ghz N and 1300mbps 5ghz ac). Heos is working fine with two wireless speakers (rarely used at the same time) and a wired receiver. Not a large system by any means.

For clients I've used the same access point on mostly Trendnet routers, or a Trendnet, of similar spec, router by itself.

Today I decided to contact support to see what HEOS recommends. One guy said anything but an ISP provided router. I logged into live chat again and then next guy said specifically a router capible of 600mbps 2.4ghz N or more. And specifically that HEOS recommends the Asus RTAC1900, which is 450mbps with some kind of super boost that pushes 600 with compatible devices.

That was a very detailed answer but a far cry from "anything but an ISP router".

I would like to ask what you have settled on as a minimum spec for a HEOS system. To date my installs have either been everything wired with the exception of a couple of speakers, or just a couple of speakers.

I haven't yet had a system that was large, and all wireless. I would like to make sure I'm specing the right gear.

For example, Ubiquiti now has the AP-AC-HD, 800mbps and 1733mbps.

Thanks very much.

Craig.

I wouldn’t get hung up on the MBPS. Generally if the heos can get 5mbps or better it’s fine. You have to remember that a vast majority of the world is still on DSL or even dialup in some cases. Clearly dialup won’t work but those that have DSL would be able to have heos. They may not be able to watch Netflix or download or uplod something but they can certainly stream non lossless music.

The reason so many require non ISP provided routers is because of the sheer inability to be able to handle multiple packets let alone more then 8-10 IP addresses. This is why so many manufacturers require something better then a old linksys router and a providers router.

At the very least you should have network packages. Good better best. Ours break down like this.

Good = eero system (as long as VPN or VLans aren’t required)
Better = edgemax router with either Eeros as APs or Ruckus APs (depends on application and location)
Best = Microtik and Ruckus.

For the past few years I now will no longer even do a system without redoing the network. Even for Sonos jobs. What you will find is MOST people have awful WiFi and don’t know anything better is out there. Not only does taking over their network and giving them something that works makes you a hero, it makes your life so much easier.

IMO we are no longer custom integrators, we are network engineers first and CIs second.

We are miserable SOBs with no real escape from this hellish reality first, and everything else second.

Hahaha that's hilarious.

Excellent and informative reply. Thank you.

I logged on again and got another guy. He says a router with at least 300mbps. More if you will have lots of devices.

I agree in that we have to be network administrators. Even though I hate it, and am learning/improving all the time I still feel behind. I can put stuff together and make it work no problem. It's the deep ugly trouble shooting that bothers me the most.

Anyway that's reality now.

I like your idea for network packages. How are you upselling? What I mean is if package one is good. Why do they need package two? Is it about size and complexity?

For me I just want the stuff to work!!

Let’s not glance past the fact that MSOs are cramming their appliances down user throats requiring them for voice, security, and really soon- STBs. MFGs need to get their gear tuned to these environments well before pandering on Amazon. We collectively are the only ones who get the “this won’t work with ISP” schtick

Any complaints with Heos vs Sonos? Doing any 3rd party control?