Communication Routes Based on Low Power Operation

A playback device comprising:

• a processor;
• a network interface;
• a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium;
• and
• program logic stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by the processor to:
• determine that the playback device should enter a low power mode, wherein the playback device is part of a networked media system;
• based on the determination:
• identify at least one additional playback device that is part of the networked media system, wherein the playback device is configured to communicate with the at least one additional playback device via (i) a first route, and (ii) a second route;
• inform the at least one additional playback device not to utilize the first route with the playback device;
• enter the low power mode;
• and
• while the first playback device is in the low power mode:
• periodically receive a message from a master device, wherein the master device is part of the networked media system;
• and
• based on the message, exit the low power mode.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a set of instructions for execution by a processor, the set of instructions, when executed, cause a playback device to:

• determine that the playback device should enter a low power mode, wherein the playback device is part of a networked media system;
• based on the determination:
• identify at least one additional playback device that is part of the networked media system, wherein the playback device is configured to communicate with the at least one additional playback device via (i) a first route, and (ii) a second route;
• inform the at least one additional playback device not to utilize the first route with the playback device;
• enter the low power mode;
• and
• while the first playback device is in the low power mode:
• periodically receive a message from a master device, wherein the master device is part of the networked media system;
• and
• based on the message, exit the low power mode.