Friday, March 29, 2024
Home Network NAS The Ultimate Streaming Audio Network (according to Jaap)

The Ultimate Streaming Audio Network (according to Jaap)

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The Ultimate Streaming Audio Network (according to Jaap)

Router

The router… the traffic cop in the network. Although it is possible to build a network without a router, it is very convenient to have one. And it’s a lot safer. In many consumer orientated routers you will find much more than just a router. Think of a firewall, switch, wifi access point… We are used to the fact that this little box is the master of everything. And hey, why not?

Computing power and stability

The router is in fact the brain of the network. It distributes ip addresses, separates the angry Internet from your home network, and ensures – via NAT, for example – that all the devices in your network can access a web page properly. And that all of this happens safely.

It can also use QoS – quality of service – to ensure that it continues to run smoothly. Especially with VoiP and audio streaming, this may be necessary if you don’t have a fast internet connection.

If a router doesn’t have enough computing power, memory or bandwidth, you may get into trouble as your network grows. Especially if, for example, you include a NAS in your network and make regular backups of your photos, business data or videos, this may be the case. In that case, we recommend a new router.

What’s good?

Tricky question. It depends on your situation. However, we can say that in many cases the best combination is a midrange router – about 150 euros – with a separate wifi access point – also about 150 euros – ideal for many consumers who are looking for good stuff. What you can do then is to switch off the wifi on the router and install the separate wifi access point centrally.

Why do we recommend this combination? Simple: in many cases, you pay mainly for the extra wifi functions with a more expensive model. More expensive models have – often – not so much a faster processor or more features. So you can also choose a mid-range router and then install a better performing, separate access point (or install a roaming system, like Netgear Orbi or Linksys Velop for example).

Influence on sound?

Nope… forget it. A router has no sound influence. Unless you might connect your streamer directly to the router, which we would never do anyway. All of this has more to do with noise from switching power supplies. But more on that later. However, if you follow our instructions, a router cannot affect playback. You need a solid router just for responsiveness and stability in your network.

1 COMMENT

  1. https://www.netgear.com/nl/home/wifi/mesh/mk73s/
    My compliments for the clear explanation. But do I need to purchase an additional switch, placed between the provider’s modem and the router, the satellites are connected via WiFi. You recommended using an sBooster on the RME ADI-2 FS DAC and I couldn’t believe it. That the power supply of a professional device is so poor. It’s not cheap but the results are amazing. If I understand correctly, I don’t need linear power supply for the modem or router. The satellite in the room is connected with CAT7 to the switch and connect (CAT7) to the streamer. But should I change the power supply of both (satellite and switch) to a linear power supply for better sound quality?