Network requirements for using Soundsuit on Sonos

This article explains which network access Sonos speakers need in order to stream music reliably with Soundsuit. It is intended for IT administrators and network teams setting up Wi-Fi or LAN access.

 

Overview

Sonos speakers require standard outbound internet access and local network discovery to function correctly.
No inbound ports need to be opened from the internet.

From a network perspective, Soundsuit behaves like any other Sonos-supported music service.

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1. Internet access (outbound only)

Sonos devices initiate all connections themselves.

Required outbound traffic

• TCP 80, 443 – cloud services, music streaming, updates

• UDP 123 – time synchronization (NTP)

Important

• No inbound firewall rules are required

• No port forwarding is needed

• HTTPS inspection is usually fine, as long as streaming domains are not blocked

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2. Local network requirements (LAN / Wi-Fi)

Sonos speakers and control devices (tablet, phone, computer) must be on the same local network (same VLAN or subnet).

Required local protocols

• mDNS (UDP 5353) – device discovery

• SSDP (UDP 1900) – device discovery and grouping

• Local TCP communication between Sonos devices

Important Wi-Fi settings

• Client isolation / AP isolation must be disabled

• Multicast traffic must be allowed

• Speakers and controllers must be able to see each other on the network

Without multicast and local discovery, Sonos devices cannot be found or controlled.
 

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3. DNS requirements

Sonos relies heavily on DNS resolution.

Requirements:

• Working DNS resolution to the public internet

• Corporate DNS servers are fine if they forward to public resolvers

• DNS filtering must not block streaming or Sonos cloud domains

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4. Wi-Fi recommendations for business environments

For stable playback in retail, hospitality, offices, or gyms, we recommend:

• WPA2-PSK or WPA2-Enterprise (both supported)

• 5 GHz Wi-Fi preferred (2.4 GHz also supported)

• Stable signal coverage (avoid aggressive roaming or band steering)

• No captive portals (not supported by Sonos)

💡 Tip:
If Wi-Fi policies are restrictive, using wired Ethernet for Sonos speakers often simplifies IT approval and improves stability.

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5. Does Soundsuit require special network access?

No.

• Soundsuit does not require any additional ports

• No Soundsuit-specific firewall rules are needed

• Sonos accesses Soundsuit the same way it accesses other streaming services

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Quick summary for IT teams

Sonos speakers require outbound internet access only (TCP 80/443, UDP 123) and local multicast for discovery (mDNS/SSDP). No inbound ports need to be opened. Speakers and controllers must be on the same VLAN/subnet with client isolation disabled. Standard enterprise Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet is supported.