When using a router with access points (APs) within a network, and Lithe Audio app does not show devices on the network, several issues could be the cause. These problems often relate to network configurations, device discovery protocols, or iOS-specific settings.

1. Network Configuration Issues:

• Different Subnets or VLANs: Devices on different subnets or VLANs might not be able to communicate with each other, preventing detection by the app.
  • Solution: Ensure devices are on the same subnet, or configure routing between subnets and VLANs. If VLANs are in use, check for proper routing and inter-VLAN communication.
• DHCP Conflicts: Misconfigured DHCP settings can prevent devices from receiving valid IP addresses, affecting visibility.
  • Solution: Ensure DHCP is properly configured on the router and APs, and devices are receiving correct IP addresses.

2. Wi-Fi Band Issues:

• Wi-Fi Band Isolation: Devices on different frequency bands (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) may not discover each other, especially if the access points use separate SSIDs for each band.
  • Solution: Use the same SSID for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (band steering), or ensure devices are on the same band.
• Wi-Fi Roaming Between Access Points: Devices moving between APs might experience temporary disconnections or issues that prevent them from being seen by the app.
  • Solution: Ensure APs are properly configured for seamless roaming to avoid dropouts.

3. Client Isolation or AP Isolation:

• Client Isolation: If enabled, client isolation can prevent devices from communicating with each other on the same network.
  • Solution: Disable client isolation or AP isolation on the router or access points to allow devices to see each other.

4. Device Discovery Protocol Issues:

• mDNS or Bonjour (iOS-specific): mDNS (Bonjour) is commonly used for device discovery, and if it's not supported or is blocked on the router, devices may not be visible.
  • Solution: Ensure mDNS/Bonjour is supported and not blocked by router settings. For iOS, ensure the app has permission to access the local network.
• SSDP (Android-specific): For Android apps, issues with SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol) can prevent device discovery if the router blocks or fails to forward SSDP traffic.
  • Solution: Ensure SSDP is not blocked on the router and is allowed to pass through.

5. Wi-Fi Interference and Signal Quality:

• Weak or Intermittent Signal: Devices with poor signal quality or intermittent connectivity might not be discoverable in the app.
  • Solution: Check AP placement and signal strength. Ensure devices are close enough to an AP or optimize AP coverage to reduce interference.
• Network Congestion: Overcrowded networks or interference from other devices (e.g., microwaves, Bluetooth) can lead to unstable connections.
  • Solution: Change Wi-Fi channels to reduce interference, especially on the 2.4 GHz band.

6. App Permissions:

• Local Network Access (iOS): In iOS 14 and later, apps need permission to access devices on the local network. If permission is not granted, devices will not show up in the app.
  • Solution: Go to Settings → Privacy → Local Network, and enable access for the app.
• App Permissions (Android): Android apps also require specific network access permissions to discover devices. Ensure that the app has these permissions enabled.
  • Solution: Check app permissions in Settings → Apps → [Your App] → Permissions and ensure local network access is granted.

7. Router/AP Configuration for Device Discovery:

• UPnP (Universal Plug and Play): If UPnP is disabled on the router, devices may not be discoverable on the network.

  • Solution: Enable UPnP on the router and access points to allow devices to be discovered by the app.

• Firewall or Security Settings: Routers or APs with strict firewall settings may block necessary communication for device discovery.

  • Solution: Ensure firewalls or access control settings on the router and APs allow mDNS, SSDP, and other necessary traffic for device discovery.

8. Firmware or Software Issues:

• Firmware Problems: Outdated firmware on the router or access points can lead to bugs or compatibility issues that affect device visibility.
  • Solution: Ensure the router, access points, and the app are running the latest firmware versions.
• App Version: An outdated version of the app may have bugs or compatibility issues with the network.
  • Solution: Make sure the app is up-to-date. Try reinstalling the app if necessary.

9. IP Address Conflicts:

• IP Conflicts: Devices with the same IP address can cause network communication failures, making some devices undetectable.
  • Solution: Ensure that the DHCP server is correctly assigning IP addresses, and avoid static IP conflicts.

10. Network Performance or Timeout Issues:

• Slow Response or Timeout: If devices or the app experience network delays or timeouts, it can prevent devices from being listed.
  • Solution: Check the overall network performance for congestion or hardware issues that may cause delays.

11. Network Segmentation (Advanced):

• Multiple Subnets or Segmented Networks: If the network has multiple subnets or is using VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), devices may be isolated from each other.
  • Solution: Verify that routing and bridging are properly configured to allow devices from different subnets or VLANs to see each other.

12. Router/AP Compatibility Issues:

• Compatibility with Wi-Fi Standards: Older routers or APs might not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or protocols, which can cause devices to not appear in the app.
  • Solution: Ensure your router and access points support modern Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).

Troubleshooting Steps for Both iOS and Android:

1. Check Device Connectivity: Ensure devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and subnet.
2. Reboot Devices: Reboot the router, access points, and devices (iOS or Android) to refresh network settings.
3. Check Permissions: Verify app permissions for local network access in both iOS and Android settings.
4. Update Firmware: Make sure both the router and access points have the latest firmware updates.
5. Reset Network Settings on Device: For Android, reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth). For iOS, try Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
6. Disable Client Isolation: Ensure that client isolation is disabled on both the router and APs.
7. Test with One Access Point: Test the setup with a single AP to eliminate roaming or multi-AP issues.
8. Check for Interference: Move devices closer to the AP or change the Wi-Fi channel to avoid congestion.

By following these combined troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issues preventing devices from being shown on the network for both iOS and Android apps.

If this does not resolve the problem, please contact our support team at support@litheaudio.com