Sonos announced today that its latest software update will allow users to set up a Sonos speaker system on an existing Wi-Fi network, negating the need to use either a hardwired Ethernet connection or the company’s Bridge to play music wirelessly.

The 5.1 software update marks a significant change for Sonos, which has shied away from using a typical Wi-Fi connection in the past, in favour of its own wireless protocol. The $50 Bridge is now effectively cut off as a prerequisite for setting up a Sonos system wirelessly. It proved to be a must-have for setups with multiple speakers spread out in a home, though there were other ways to utilize a wired connection as well. Through powerline adapters and Wi-Fi extenders with Ethernet ports, it was more than possible to set up a Sonos speaker without having to get a Bridge.

This change impacts new customers more than existing ones, though Sonos executives we spoke with confirmed that current users could transition to a Bridge-less setup, if they chose to. Purists might prefer not to, if they’re concerned about interference on the network, whereas the Bridge’s standalone connection doesn’t compete for bandwidth. In other words, if you already have a Bridge set up, there’s no need to change anything. You can just add speakers to it. If you don’t have a Bridge, then you don’t really need to buy one.

Sonos did point out that there are two scenarios where going without a Bridge might not work:

Homes where the Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach every room that you may want to put a speaker.

Sonos 3.1 and 5.1 home theatre setups still require a wired connection, though a standalone PlayBar does not.

The Bridge will continue to be available in retail, and won’t be discontinued. The company did, however, also announce a new accessory called the Boost, a $99 device that will offer enhanced wireless capabilities for “even the most challenging Wi-Fi environments”. No release date has been confirmed other than that it will come to market in Canada before the end of the year.

Check out our review of the Sonos Play:1 speaker.