When Roon works (infrequently) it’s a great app. But getting it to work on a regular basis is mind numbing and soul sucking. How many times do I have to re-boot, turn off turn off, re-check connections? Just let me know and I’ll try it. I guess this is why we have analog because digital can’t be trusted. I’m finished with my rant.
I feel for you. But it’s definitely something with your setup, not Roon.
I’ve been running Roon since the day it was released (well, before that, really) and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve had any sort of failure, and for the past couple of years, it’s been rock-solid.
Hope you can find out what’s causing the problems in your system - probably should open a ticket in the Support section.
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I would open a ticket in the support section, fill out your network details etc. then some of us may be in a position to help.
I’ve had zero issues with Roon since subscribing around 2 1/2 years ago. A couple of niggles with ARC (on the early release candidate), but nothing to write home about.
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Guys,
Thank you for your replies.
Like you-all I’ve been using Roon for a few years. And it has never been problem free. Over these years I’ve changed equipment and cables, and the Roon problem persists. I never know if Roon will recognize both the Roon core and music player. It will work fine for a few days and then it fails. After a few hours of trouble shooting I turn it off and play records. A few days later, after saying a short prayer, I try again and Roon works fine.
Dealing with Roon Support is like wrestling with a pig. The pig has a blast and you get exhausted. I prefer not to venture down that path again.
Thanks again for your replies.
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This is likely network related.
If you feel like giving it one more try provide specific details of your network setup and we (the community) will try to help.
If your core isn’t connected via ethernet try that first.
PB…I agree.
The Arris TG 1672G modem/router is the only piece of equipment that has not been replaced. The device was first introduced in 2015/2016. My guess/hope is that this is an issue of old tech not keeping up with new tech. I’m leaning towards the Arris G36. What do you think?
Roon will often not perform optimally if your core is connected via wifi.
Roon recommends using Ethernet for your core.
The Zones can be on wifi in most cases but success here depends on the quality of the wifi network and the devices themselves
The main reasons for this are: Roon using a relatively small buffer size (to facilitate multi Zone playback) and inherent limits in wifi technology (Namely it being half-duplex (a one way street) and wifi’s susceptibility to interference.)
There’s a lot more back and forth traffic with Roon than with other steaming applications.
I learned this the hard and costly way after purchasing 3 new routers at increasing levels of expensive.
As soon as I gave up and connected the core via Ethernet my issues were resolved.
I have one Zone that remained hit or miss on wifi and eventually bought a 50 ft Ethernet cable which solved the audio problem but created a tripping hazard and looks ridiculous so I only drag it out if that Zone is having a bad day.
To your question: Upgrading your router might be worth a try as it’s quite old in tech years but as my experience and what I’ve seen on countless forum posts suggests the culprit is often wifi itself.
PB
I’m sure the 50 foot cable did not have WAF (Wife Approval Factor.) My better half had me take down some modest room treatments. When it is said “that’s not staying” it’s not staying.
I’m all wire, I even turned off the WIFI feature on the modem/router. The signal goes to the modem/router via 25 foot coaxial cable and leaves via ethernet cables…one to the Roon Core server, and the other to the media render/DAC. It’s a fairly simple set-up. The only think left is an old modem/router. “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth .”
Thank you again for your help.
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I assumed you were on wifi as that’s the usual cause the sort of issues you’re having. 
That does leave the router suspect.
Some VPNs can cause trouble.
If you’re using any try switching them off for a while.
Otherwise, with respect to your lack of satisfaction there, as someone else suggested, you could try opening another support ticket.
Support can be less than timely but the community is usually really helpful.
This reads like a router flaw not being able to handle multicast in a way Roon needs it to.
Generally, multicast issue applies to a brand, not individual products within this brand. There is no reason to believe changing to a newer one from the same brand will work.
In case you can replace the router, simply get a proven brand from here. If you cannot replace the router, set your router to bridge mode, then buy a proven router.
If you cannot set your router to bridge mode, then buy a proven router and configure it as Access Point mode. Connect all your Roon related devices to it. Turn off your primary router WiFi if it is not needed.
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Hi Peter,
Thank you for directing me to routers as a possible issue. After reading through this blog I am convinced that my router needs replacing.
I came across Andrew Gillis’s 2021 recommendation that the Amplifi Alien router worked well with his sonicTransporter. As an sT owner that piqued my interest.
I’ll reach out to Andrew and learn if he still recommends the Alien.
Thanks again for your help.
Jeff
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Glad you’re making progress.
I learned something here too thanks to @wklie
I have a Alien router - and another 3 Alien routers used as repeaters. I have to use wireless links between the router/ repeaters as I cannot run cables.
I connect ROCK and 7 endpoints via Ethernet cables to the Aliens (I have an Ethernet 8 port switch connected to one of the repeaters).
Most are connected to the same Alien repeater, with one endpoint connected to another repeater.
I occasionally connect my laptop & a Chord Poly wirelessly.
Control iPads and phones are all connected via Wi Fi.
With one exception it all works well. The Aliens definitely provide functionality that works with roon, ARC works (I opened a port manually).
The only problem I have is occasional disconnects between the Alien’s wireless uplinks.
I used to have another Alien repeater in the house - which made everything much less reliable - so I suspect there is some type of WiFi contention.
I moved that Alien to my studio as a WiFi endpoint (the studio has a router provided by the complex). There I have a second Roon ROCK connected to the Alien and a wireless endpoint. This is very reliable.
So I’m pretty happy - and should add that this setup is far more reliable than my previous setup (I would previously get Apple TV device disconnects - these went away with the Aliens).
I expect if you have a single Alien it would be 100% reliable. Similarly if you have more and can use a wired backbone it would also be 100% reliable. If you need to use the wireless uplinks you might not get 100% reliability.
Sorry for the long answer!
If you’re looking for router recommendations, my suggestion is to start looking at non-mesh TP-Link and Asus in non-mesh mode. In case of Asus, turn on settings → LAN → IPTV → Multicast Routing. Both brands can run in AP mode if necessary.
I’ll chime in that I’ve used NetGear Orbi (mesh WiFi) for at least the last 3-4 years, and it’s been flawless with Roon. I never specifically configured multicast, but recently did turn on RIP because my Epson WiFi printer was not showing up reliably via AirPrint. Again, under this same configuration, no issues with Roon.
Sorry for your experience Jeff…mine has been exactly the opposite. Since I left the Mac world operating Roon and went with the dedicated Nuleus option, life has been sweet for the last year. I’m no IT guru, but perhaps the issues ar gremlins within your network/devices? Cheers & good luck!