If your PRO Series speakers are connected via Ethernet back to the network switch and experiencing signal drops, the issue is likely related to wired network problems. Below are possible causes and solutions specifically for Ethernet-connected devices:

1. Network Switch Issues:

• Overloaded Switch: If the network switch is overloaded with too many devices or heavy traffic, it may cause intermittent connectivity issues, including dropped signals for Ethernet-connected devices like PRO speakers.

  • Solution: Check the network switch for congestion. Consider upgrading to a higher-capacity switch or adding additional switches if necessary. If the switch is old, it might be malfunctioning and need replacement.

• Faulty Switch Ports: A failing Ethernet port on the switch or on the connected device can result in poor connectivity or dropped signals.

  • Solution: Test the Ethernet connection with different ports on the switch. If possible, swap out the cables or try connecting the speakers to a different port to rule out any issues with the port or cable.

2. Ethernet Cable Issues:

• Bad Ethernet Cable: Low-quality or damaged Ethernet cables can cause instability, which may lead to dropped connections.

  • Solution: Swap out the Ethernet cable for a higher-quality one or test with a known working cable to see if that resolves the issue.

• Cable Length or Interference: Ethernet cables longer than the recommended length (usually around 100 meters) or cables placed near sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., power lines) can degrade signal quality.

  • Solution: Ensure the Ethernet cable is within the appropriate length. Use shielded cables (STP) if they run near sources of interference, or try to shorten the cable length if it's too long.

3. Router or Switch Misconfiguration:

• Speed or Duplex Mismatch: Sometimes, a mismatch between the speed or duplex settings of the switch port and the device can cause signal drops or reduced performance.

  • Solution: Check the network interface settings on the switch and the device. Ensure both are set to auto-negotiate speed and duplex. If manually configured, ensure both the switch port and the device are set to the same speed (e.g., 1 Gbps) and duplex (full duplex).

• Link Aggregation Issues: If you're using link aggregation (LACP or bonding) for better bandwidth on the Ethernet connection and it’s misconfigured, it could cause instability.

  • Solution: Verify the switch configuration for link aggregation and make sure it’s properly set up for the connected devices.

4. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Issues:

• PoE Insufficient Power: If the PRO speakers are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), there could be an issue with the power being supplied through the Ethernet cable, causing the devices to lose connection or drop intermittently.
  • Solution: Check the power output on the switch for PoE. Ensure that the switch supports the required PoE++ 60W standard (e.g., IEEE 802.3af or IEEE 802.3at) for the speakers. If using a PoE injector, check its output minimum of 60W output.

5. Network Performance and Bandwidth Saturation:

• Network Congestion: If there is too much network traffic, it can cause devices to experience instability and dropped signals.

  • Solution: Monitor the bandwidth usage on the network to ensure it isn’t being saturated by other devices or activities. You can use Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic for the PRO speakers if necessary.

• IP Address Conflicts: Devices on the network with conflicting IP addresses can cause instability and dropped connections.

  • Solution: Ensure that the DHCP server is properly assigning unique IP addresses to each device. If using static IP addresses, ensure there are no conflicts.

6. Firmware or Software Issues:

• Outdated Firmware: The firmware on your network switch, PRO speakers, or router might be outdated and causing network issues, including dropped Ethernet connections.

  • Solution: Ensure all devices, including the network switch, PRO speakers, and router, are running the latest firmware.

• Driver/Software Bugs: There could be bugs in the network driver or software running on the PRO speakers or the device connected to the network.

  • Solution: Update the firmware on the Wi-Fi speakers, or reset their network settings to reconfigure the connection. Similarly, check for software or driver updates on the router or switch.

7. Network Configuration:

• VLAN Configuration: If VLANs are being used on your network and not configured correctly, the speakers may not be able to communicate properly with other devices, leading to dropped connections.

  • Solution: Check the VLAN settings on the switch and ensure that the Wi-Fi speakers are assigned to the correct VLAN for communication with other network devices.

• Static IP Configuration Issues: If the speakers are using static IP addresses, there may be misconfigurations that prevent stable communication.

  • Solution: Verify that the static IP settings (e.g., subnet mask, gateway) are correct. Alternatively, set the speakers to use DHCP for automatic IP assignment.

8. Environmental Factors:

• Network Interference: While Ethernet is typically not subject to wireless interference, other environmental factors, such as electromagnetic interference from nearby electrical equipment, can affect the performance of wired connections.
  • Solution: Move the Ethernet cables away from sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., large machinery, power cables) to reduce the risk of signal degradation.

9. Speaker-Specific Issues:

• Speaker Hardware Issues: There could be a hardware issue with the PRO speakers themselves, such as a defective network interface.
  • Solution: Test the speakers with a direct connection to the router, bypassing the switch, to check if the issue is with the switch or the speakers. If the issue persists, consider contacting the manufacturer for a hardware check.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Test with Different Ports and Cables: Swap out Ethernet cables and ports to rule out any physical issues with the cables, ports, or the switch.
2. Check for Overloaded Switch: Ensure the switch isn’t overloaded with too much traffic. Try connecting the PRO speakers to a less congested switch port or a different switch if needed.
3. Reboot Devices: Power cycle the router, switch, and speakers to reset network connections and clear any temporary issues.
4. Update Firmware: Ensure that all firmware (router, switch, speakers) is up-to-date to eliminate known bugs or compatibility issues.
5. Monitor Network Traffic: Use a network monitoring tool to identify if other devices are consuming too much bandwidth or causing congestion.
6. Check DHCP and IP Configuration: Ensure that there are no IP conflicts and that the devices are getting proper IP assignments from the DHCP server.

By following these steps and considering the potential causes outlined above, you should be able to identify and fix the issue of your Ethernet-connected Wi-Fi speakers dropping signal.